Green Tomato Pasta Sauce
Bright and tangy green tomato pasta sauce features fresh dill, garlic, and onions, perfect for summer meals or those seeking a unique, vibrant flavor profile.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove stem ends and core green tomatoes, then cut them up.
- In a 10-quart Dutch oven, combine the tomatoes, brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Bring to boiling, stirring occasionally.
- Boil gently, uncovered, for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
- Puree cooked tomatoes through a food mill.
- Return the pureed tomatoes to the Dutch oven.
- Add large chopped onions, chopped green pepper, crushed garlic, dill weed, and bay leaves.
- Bring the mixture to boiling.
- Boil gently, uncovered, for about 1 hour more or until of desired consistency.
- Discard bay leaves.
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sauce, consider adding more brown sugar or a splash of balsamic vinegar. If you can't find fresh dillweed, dried dill can work, but use half the amount. Feel free to incorporate other vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added flavor and texture. This sauce also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant green tomato pasta sauce over your favorite pasta for a delightful meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad like the Green Bean And Red Potato Salad. For a heartier dish, add cooked ground meat or sautéed vegetables into the sauce.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Green Tomato Pasta Sauce contains roughly 388 calories, with 14g protein, 78g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (491% of the Daily Value), iron (135% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (110% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 672mg per serving (29% 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 ripe tomatoes instead of green tomatoes?
While this recipe is designed for green tomatoes, ripe tomatoes can be used, but the flavor will be sweeter and less tangy. Adjust the amount of brown sugar accordingly to achieve a balanced taste.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
To thicken the sauce, simmer it longer to reduce the liquid. If it's too thick, add small amounts of water or broth until you reach your desired consistency. Always taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Can I add meat to this sauce?
Absolutely! You can incorporate cooked ground meat, such as beef or turkey, into the sauce during the last simmering phase. This adds richness and protein, making it a more filling dish.
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).