Zesty Green Tomato and Apple Mincemeat
This Zesty Green Tomato and Apple Mincemeat offers a delightful twist on a classic recipe, utilizing fresh green tomatoes and crisp apples for a unique flavor profile. Perfect for filling pies, tarts, or as a topping for desserts, this mincemeat combines the tartness of green tomatoes with the sweetness of apples and sultanas, enhanced by aromatic spices and zesty citrus notes. Whether you're featuring it at a holiday gathering or enjoying it throughout the year, this low-protein mincemeat is sure to impress with its rich, complex flavors!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
green tomatoes
6 cups (washed and chopped)
apples
6 cups (washed, cored, and chopped)
sultanas
2 cups (none)
currants
1 cup (none)
vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
lemon rind
1 teaspoon (zested)
orange rind
1 teaspoon (zested)
cinnamon
1 tablespoon (none)
nutmeg
1 teaspoon (none)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
clove
1 pinch (none)
margarine
4 tablespoons (none)
sugar
3 cups (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the green tomatoes and apples thoroughly, ensuring they are clean.
2
Do not peel the tomatoes or apples; instead, core and roughly chop them using a food processor for a finer texture.
3
In a large pot, combine the processed green tomatoes, chopped apples, sultanas, currants, vinegar, lemon rind, orange rind, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, clove, margarine, and sugar.
4
Cook the mixture over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 1.5 to 2 hours until everything is well combined, thickened, and aromatic.
5
Once cooked, carefully ladle the hot mincemeat into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch headspace.
6
Seal the jars and process in a boiling water bath for 25 minutes to ensure preservation.
7
Allow the jars to cool completely on a clean towel. Store in a cool, dark place until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Green Tomato and Apple Mincemeat?
It is a unique twist on traditional mincemeat that uses fresh green tomatoes and crisp apples instead of meat, creating a tart and sweet dessert filling.
What are the primary uses for this mincemeat?
This recipe is perfect for filling pies and tarts, or it can be used as a flavorful topping for various desserts.
Is this recipe suitable for specific dietary needs?
Yes, this is a low-protein recipe, making it suitable for those monitoring their protein intake.
Should I peel the green tomatoes and apples?
No, you should not peel them. Simply wash them thoroughly and core the apples before processing.
What is the best way to chop the ingredients?
A food processor is recommended to roughly chop the green tomatoes and apples to achieve a finer, more consistent texture.
What ingredients are needed for the fruit base?
The base consists of 6 cups of green tomatoes, 6 cups of apples, 2 cups of sultanas, and 1 cup of currants.
What spices are used in this mincemeat?
The recipe uses a aromatic blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of ground cloves.
How much sugar is in the recipe?
The recipe requires 3 cups of sugar to balance the tartness of the tomatoes and vinegar.
What provides the zesty flavor?
The zesty notes come from the addition of one teaspoon each of lemon rind and orange rind, along with half a cup of vinegar.
How long does the mixture need to cook?
The mixture should be cooked over low to medium heat for approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.
How do I know when the mincemeat is finished cooking?
It is done when the ingredients are well combined, the mixture has thickened, and it becomes aromatic.
What type of fat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of margarine.
How should I prepare the jars for canning?
You must use sterilized jars to ensure the mincemeat is preserved safely.
How much headspace should I leave in the jars?
Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jars before sealing.
What is the water bath processing time?
The jars should be processed in a boiling water bath for 25 minutes.
Where should the finished jars be stored?
Store the sealed and cooled jars in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use them.
How many cups of green tomatoes are required?
You will need 6 cups of washed and chopped green tomatoes.
How many cups of apples are required?
You will need 6 cups of washed, cored, and chopped apples.
What kind of vinegar should be used?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of vinegar, which acts as a preservative and adds tang.
Does this recipe contain salt?
Yes, it includes 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt to enhance the overall flavor profile.
Can I use this recipe for holiday baking?
Yes, it is a traditional-style preserve that is excellent for holiday gatherings.
Is this recipe considered a preserve?
Yes, because it is cooked down and processed in a water bath for long-term storage, it is a preserve.
Can I use a different type of dried fruit?
While the recipe calls for sultanas and currants, these are the traditional choices for the desired texture and sweetness.
How should I cool the jars after processing?
Place the jars on a clean towel and allow them to cool completely at room temperature.
Is the texture of this mincemeat chunky or smooth?
The texture is thick and somewhat fine due to the use of a food processor for the tomatoes and apples.
How much lemon and orange zest is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of lemon rind and 1 teaspoon of orange rind.
Can I make this without a food processor?
Yes, but you will need to chop the tomatoes and apples very finely by hand to achieve the correct consistency.
Is there any meat in this 'mincemeat'?
No, this is a meat-free version that relies on fruits and vegetables.
What is the purpose of the margarine?
Margarine adds richness and a smooth mouthfeel to the cooked mixture.
How much cinnamon is used?
The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of cinnamon for a warm, spiced flavor.