FRIED GREEN TOMATOES IN OIL

Homemade Georgian green tomatoes in oil prepared for winter storage
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Prep Time: ~45 min
Cook Time: ~1 hour 15 min
Total: ~2 hours
Servings: 50
📖 INTRO

Fried Green Tomatoes in Oil is a traditional Georgian preserve prepared during the harvest season. Green tomatoes are lightly blanched, sautéed with onions, combined with aromatic herbs and spices, then preserved in sterilized jars for long-term storage.

🏛️ HISTORY

Preserving green tomatoes for winter has long been part of Georgian home cooking traditions. When autumn arrived and tomatoes remained green on the vine, they were transformed into flavorful preserves using oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices, allowing families to enjoy their harvest throughout the colder months.

🧂 INGREDIENTS
Ingredients for Georgian beet salad including beets, walnuts, garlic and fresh herbs
👨‍🍳 INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1

Wash the green tomatoes, dry them, slice into thin rounds, blanch in boiling water for 5 minutes, then drain thoroughly.

Boiled beets being peeled and grated for Georgian beet salad

Step 2

Wash and dry the garlic, celery, parsley, and basil, then finely chop or grind them.

Walnuts and garlic being crushed into a coarse paste

Step 3

Sauté the onions in oil until softened (10mn), add the tomatoes, and cook gently over low heat.

Grated beets mixed with walnut and garlic mixture in a bowl

Step 4

Bring the vinegar to a boil, then add salt, red pepper, ground coriander, saffron, and blue fenugreek.

Adding vinegar and salt to beet salad and mixing thoroughly

Step 5

Pour the hot vinegar mixture over the tomatoes and onions, add the garlic and herbs, then mix thoroughly and adjust seasoning if needed.

Fresh herbs being finely chopped and added to beet salad

Step 6

Pack the mixture into sterilized glass jars and sterilize for 10 minutes after the water reaches a boil.

Step 7

Seal with lids and store in a cool, dry place.

Beet salad resting in a bowl to allow flavors to blend before serving
💡 TIPS
  • Choose firm green tomatoes for the best texture.
  • Drain the tomatoes well after blanching to avoid excess liquid.
  • Fresh herbs provide the most authentic flavor.
  • Proper sterilization is essential for safe long-term storage.
🌍 Ingredient Substitutes
  • Green tomatoes → Firm unripe tomatoes Any firm unripe tomatoes will work.
  • Basil → Cilantro Provides a different but complementary flavor.
  • Blue fenugreek → Fenugreek powder Use a smaller amount due to its stronger taste.
  • Ground saffron → Turmeric Can be used mainly for color.
  • Vinegar → Apple cider vinegar Works well as a substitute.
🍽️ NUTRITION (Approximate)
  • Calories: ~180 kcal per serving
  • Fat: ~12 g
  • Protein: ~2 g
  • Rich in vitamins and antioxidants
❓ FAQ
Why are the tomatoes blanched before cooking?

Blanching softens the tomatoes and helps improve their texture.

Can ripe tomatoes be used instead?

Green tomatoes are recommended because they hold their shape better during preservation.

How long can the jars be stored?

When properly sterilized and sealed, they can be stored for many months in a cool place.

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