Green Tomato Bread
Green Tomato Bread offers a unique twist on traditional quick breads, blending the tartness of green tomatoes with sweet raisins and warm spices. Its moist texture and flavorful profile make it an excellent choice for breakfast, snacks, or gift-giving, appealing to those who enjoy inventive, fruit-infused baked goods.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut out stems and blossom end of several green tomatoes.
- Put tomatoes in blender, adding enough to make 2 cups of pulp.
- Soak raisins in boiling water; cool.
- Cream the margarine with sugar, beating until fluffy.
- Add eggs, tomato pulp, and the raisin-water mixture to the creamed mixture.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and allspice.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, mixing well.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into greased loaf pans.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove and cool completely on wire racks.
Tips & Substitutions
For a moister bread, consider adding a bit of applesauce or yogurt alongside the tomato pulp. If you're short on green tomatoes, you can substitute with ripe tomatoes, but reduce the sugar. You can also use coconut oil instead of margarine or Crisco for a slightly different flavor profile. To enhance the spices, try adding a pinch of nutmeg.
Serving Suggestions
This Green Tomato Bread is delightful on its own or served with a spread of cream cheese. It pairs beautifully with Easy Chicken Dressing for a savory contrast. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad or as part of a brunch spread with other baked goods like Cranberry Fruit Nut Bread or Chewy Coffee Cake for a sweet finish.
Storage & Reheating
Once the Green Tomato Bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped individually for up to three months. To reheat, simply toast or warm slices in the microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Tomato Bread contains roughly 372 calories, with 5g protein, 83g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (22% of the Daily Value) and calcium (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1268mg per serving (55% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of nuts in this recipe?
Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite nuts like walnuts, pecans, or even almonds. Each will impart a unique flavor and texture to the bread. Just ensure they are chopped to avoid large chunks that may disrupt the bread’s consistency.
What can I do if I don’t have raisins?
If you don’t have raisins, dried cranberries or chopped dried apricots make excellent substitutes. They will add a different sweetness and a bit of tartness that complements the bread beautifully. You could also omit dried fruit altogether for a nut-focused version.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum to help with texture. Keep in mind that the baking time might vary slightly, so check for doneness with a toothpick.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).