Tomato Mincemeat

Posted in Recipe Collections / Grammie’s Recipes: From the Kitchen of Elsie Damren
Tomato Mincemeat
Embark on a culinary adventure with Tomato Mincemeat, a recipe that transforms simple, humble ingredients into a rich, complex preserve that’s perfect for pies, pastries, or even as a standalone treat. This unique take on traditional mincemeat combines the tangy freshness of green tomatoes with the sweet and savory elements of apples, raisins, and salt pork, creating a blend that’s both surprising and delightfully flavorful.

Ingredients

  • 1 peck green tomatoes
  • 12 large apples
  • 2 lbs raisins
  • 8 cups sugar
  • 1 tbsp salt
  • 2 tbsp ground cloves
  • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 1 cup salt pork, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by grinding the green tomatoes. Drain the excess liquid, then boil them briefly. Drain again to ensure they're as dry as possible.

  2. Grind the Additional Ingredients: Grind the raisins, salt pork, and apples into a coarse mixture. This combination will give the mincemeat its characteristic texture and flavor.

  3. Combine and Cook: Mix all the ingredients in a large pot. Add the vinegar, sugar, salt, cloves, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer gently for about 4 hours, or until thickened and reduced, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  4. Preserve: While the mixture is still hot, carefully ladle it into sterilized quart jars. Seal the jars tightly to ensure preservation.

  5. Makes: 14 quarts of Tomato Mincemeat, ready to elevate your baking and cooking with its unique blend of flavors.

Tomato Mincemeat: Bridging Seasons and Traditions

Tomato Mincemeat is more than a preserve; it’s a culinary bridge between the end of summer’s bounty and the welcoming of autumn’s richness. This unique concoction, with its roots in home preservation methods, showcases how traditional techniques can adapt to celebrate the flavors of the garden in unexpected ways. By embracing the tangy profile of green tomatoes alongside the sweetness of apples and raisins, this recipe offers a nod to the past while catering to contemporary palates.

The Versatility of Tomato Mincemeat

One of the joys of Tomato Mincemeat lies in its versatility. Here are a few ways to incorporate it into your cooking:

  • As a Pie Filling: Swap traditional mincemeat with this tomato version for a surprising twist on holiday pies.
  • With Breakfast: Serve atop toast or swirled into yogurt for a sweet start to your day.
  • As a Condiment: Elevate roasted meats or cheese boards with its unique flavor profile.

Tips for Perfect Preservation

  • Quality Ingredients: Start with fresh, high-quality ingredients to ensure the best taste and shelf life.
  • Sterilization is Key: Properly sterilize all jars and lids to prevent contamination and ensure a good seal.
  • Patience Pays Off: The flavors of Tomato Mincemeat deepen and meld over time. If you can, let it sit for a few weeks before using to allow the flavors to fully develop.

A Nod to Nutrition

While Tomato Mincemeat is rich in flavor, it’s also a source of dietary fiber, vitamins, and minerals, thanks to the natural ingredients. Its high sugar content does mean it should be enjoyed in moderation, but it’s a delightful way to add a serving of fruits (and even a vegetable!) to your diet.

Celebrating the Harvest

Making Tomato Mincemeat is as much about the process as it is about the product. It’s a celebration of the harvest, an exercise in patience, and a creative culinary endeavor. Whether you’re a seasoned preserver or new to canning, this recipe offers a chance to explore the rich tapestry of flavors that only home-preserved goods can provide.

Tomato Mincemeat: A Story in Every Jar

Each jar of Tomato Mincemeat tells a story—a story of seasonal transitions, of blending the old with the new, and of the joy found in creating something truly unique. As these jars line your pantry shelves, they serve as a reminder of the creativity and care that go into every homemade dish.

Nutrition Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 quart jar
  • Servings Per Recipe: 14
  • Calories: 504

% Daily Value

  • Total Fat: 10.8g (14% DV)
  • Saturated Fat: 4.3g (22% DV)
  • Cholesterol: 6mg (2% DV)
  • Sodium: 2813mg (122% DV)
  • Total Carbohydrates: 110.8g (40% DV)
  • Dietary Fiber: 12.7g (45% DV)
  • Total Sugars: 90.3g
  • Protein: 3.7g
  • Vitamin D: 0mcg (0% DV)
  • Calcium: 128mg (10% DV)
  • iron: 3mg (17% DV)
  • Potassium: 732mg (16% DV)

Note: The “% Daily Value” (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Recipe analyzed by verywell.