Stewed Tomatillos and Tomatoes

In this delightful stew, green and tart tomatillos take center stage, complemented by the natural sweetness of fresh tomatoes. The result is a silky, slightly thick texture bursting with flavors. This versatile dish can be served over rice, grits, polenta, or cooked hominy, making it a hearty and satisfying meal. If you don’t have tomatillos, you can use all green tomatoes or not-quite-ripe tomatoes as a substitute. Get ready to enjoy a vibrant medley of flavors with this Stewed Tomatillos and Tomatoes recipe.

Total Servings: 6 to 8

Total Time: About 1 hour (largely unattended)

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper or 2 poblano chiles, cored, seeded, and chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, crushed
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 1/2 pounds tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 cup stock (you can use homemade stock, white wine, or water)
• 1 1/2 pounds ripe tomatoes, cut into large chunks
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper (or poblano chiles), and crushed garlic. Cook until the onion becomes soft and translucent, which usually takes 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
3. Add the tomatillos to the pot and continue cooking until their skins start to break open, around 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Pour in the stock (or white wine, or water) and stir the mixture. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to produce a slow bubble. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 30 minutes until the tomatillos are mostly dissolved. If you prefer, you can cover and refrigerate the mixture for a day or two at this point before continuing with the recipe.
5. Return the heat to medium-high, and as the stew starts to bubble again, stir in the chunks of ripe tomatoes. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes wilt but still retain their skins.
6. Stir in the chopped cilantro, then taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
7. Serve the stew hot or at room temperature, and drizzle some additional olive oil over the top for added richness.

SERVING OPTIONS:

Serving Options for Stewed Tomatillos and Tomatoes:

• Over Rice: Serve the stewed tomatillos and tomatoes over fluffy white rice or brown rice. The tender rice will absorb the flavorful juices of the stew, creating a delicious and satisfying meal.
• With Grits or Polenta: For a hearty and comforting option, pair the stew with creamy grits or polenta. The smooth texture of the grits or polenta complements the silky consistency of the stew, resulting in a delightful combination of flavors and textures.
• With Cooked Hominy: Hominy, a type of dried corn that has been soaked in an alkaline solution, offers a unique and nutty taste. Cooked hominy provides a wonderful contrast to the tangy tomatillos and sweet tomatoes, making it an excellent accompaniment to the stew.
• Tacos or Tostadas: Use the stewed tomatillos and tomatoes as a filling for tacos or as a topping for tostadas. Add some shredded lettuce, diced avocado, and a sprinkle of queso fresco to create a refreshing and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish.
• Breakfast Hash: Turn leftovers into a delightful breakfast hash by adding cooked diced potatoes, bell peppers, and onions to the stew. Top it with a fried or poached egg for a satisfying and nourishing morning meal.
• Enchiladas or Burritos: Roll the stewed tomatillos and tomatoes in corn tortillas to create delicious enchiladas. Alternatively, use them as a filling for burritos along with black beans, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
• Grilled Meat or Fish Topping: Use the stew as a zesty topping for grilled chicken, pork, or fish. The combination of flavors will elevate your protein dishes and add a burst of freshness to every bite.
• Appetizer Dip: Let the stew cool and serve it as a flavorful dip for tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetable sticks. It’s a fantastic party appetizer that’s sure to impress your guests.
• Side Dish with Grilled Vegetables: Pair the stewed tomatillos and tomatoes with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant. The bright flavors of the stew will complement the smoky and charred notes from the grilled veggies.
• Sandwich Spread: Use the stew as a tasty spread for sandwiches. Layer it on bread or rolls with grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or avocado slices for a unique and flavorful sandwich experience.

Feel free to get creative and explore various serving options to enjoy the Stewed Tomatillos and Tomatoes in different ways. Its versatile nature makes it a fantastic addition to a wide range of dishes, allowing you to savor its delicious flavors in countless ways.

Enjoy the delightful combination of tangy tomatillos and sweet tomatoes in this Stewed Tomatillos and Tomatoes recipe. The versatility of this dish allows you to pair it with various side dishes, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire.