How to Broil Tomatillos

The papery husks of tomatillos are inedible.

If you've ever enjoyed a smoky salsa verde, the green salsa at a Mexican restaurant, you have had broiled tomatillos. This tiny green cousin of the tomato is regularly used in Mexican cooking to make salsa, stews and soups. Unlike tomatoes, tomatillos have a tart, citrus-like flavor and are hidden inside a papery thin light green husk. Tomatillos are fat free and contain fiber. Although you can cook tomatillos in a variety of ways, broiling produces charred tomatillos, giving off a rich, smoky flavor.

Things You'll Need

• Tomatillos, any amount
• Sharp knife
• Baking sheet
• Aluminum foil

Instructions

1. Turn the oven to the broiler setting.

2. Remove the husks from the tomatillos and rinse the tomatillos under cool water.

3. Slice each tomatillo in half.

4. Place the halved tomatillos on a baking sheet lined with foil with the cut side down.

5. Place the baking sheet in the oven and broil for 5 to 7 minutes, until the tomatillos are lightly blackened.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the tomatillos to make a tomatillo salsa verde, blending the tomatillos with onions, garlic, cilantro, fresh lime juice, jalapeno peppers and salt.

References

• What's Cooking America: Tomatillos
• Fruits and Veggies Matter: Vegetable of the Month: Tomatillos
• Simply Recipes: Tomatillo Salsa Verde

Resources

• Food and Wine Magazine; Pork and Tomatillo Stew; Andrew Murray
• Simply Recipes: Tomatillo