Mom'S Green Tomato Mincemeat
A tangy, spiced green tomato mincemeat blending tartness with warm spices, perfect for pies, tarts, or preserves, appealing to those who enjoy unique homemade jams.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Grind the green tomatoes; add salt and let stand overnight.
- Squeeze out as much juice as possible with your hands.
- Add the chopped green apples, raisins, vinegar, molasses, chopped suet, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Put all ingredients together in a roaster and bake slowly at 250°F for 3 to 4 hours.
- Freeze or seal in jars.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use firm green tomatoes for a tart flavor. If you're short on suet, you can substitute with vegetable shortening for a vegetarian option. To enhance the sweetness, consider adding a bit more molasses or adjusting the sugar to taste. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the mixture before baking. Remember to check for consistency during the slow baking process.
Serving Suggestions
This green tomato mincemeat is delicious as a filling for pies or tarts, or served as a tangy condiment alongside roasted meats. It pairs beautifully with Southern Barbecue Chicken Sauce or can be enjoyed on toast for a sweet treat. Consider serving it alongside a fresh salad like Italian Dressing Slaw for a balanced meal.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, transfer the mincemeat to airtight jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. For longer storage, freeze the mincemeat in freezer-safe containers. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave. It can also be served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mom'S Green Tomato Mincemeat contains roughly 2641 calories, with 38g protein, 487g carbohydrates, and 113g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (565% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and calcium (154% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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?
Using ripe tomatoes will significantly change the flavor profile of the mincemeat, making it sweeter and less tangy. If you prefer a milder taste, you could mix in a small amount of ripe tomatoes, but keep the ratio of green tomatoes high for the traditional flavor.
How can I make this recipe less sweet?
To reduce the sweetness, you can cut back on the white sugar and molasses. Consider omitting some of the sugar entirely or replacing it with a sugar substitute. You can also increase the amount of spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance flavor without adding sweetness.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Simply replace the chopped suet with a plant-based fat such as coconut oil or vegetable shortening. Ensure that the other ingredients, like sugar and molasses, are also vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with animal products.
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).