Green Tomato Soup is a classic recipe that makes great use of unripe tomatoes, perfect for when the garden season ends. This vintage recipe brings a unique tangy flavor combined with traditional seasonings. Preserving green tomatoes was a smart way to ensure food didn’t go to waste and provided a delicious soup base during the colder months. This soup also pairs well with hearty bread or can be canned for future use.
The tartness of green tomatoes stands out in this dish, offering a distinct taste you won’t find in more common tomato soups. Combined with onions, sugar, mustard, black pepper, allspice, and cloves, this soup balances savory, spicy, and sweet flavors. As it simmers, the spices meld beautifully, creating a comforting, aromatic soup.
Join our Vintage Recipe Facebook Group to discuss and find “new” old recipes to enjoy.
Links to find other recipes:
Green Tomato Soup
Food History
Green tomatoes have been used in recipes for hundreds of years. Often, early gardeners found ways to use every part of their crops, and green tomatoes became popular in relishes, pickles, and soups. The idea of using unripe tomatoes came from a need to preserve as much as possible. As food preservation techniques developed, home cooks turned to canning, making this soup a favorite.
Mustard, black pepper, allspice, and cloves are traditional spices used in both savory and sweet dishes. In early American cooking, spices like these were cherished and used to flavor a variety of foods. This soup reflects a blend of influences, from preserving traditions to spiced culinary practices.
Recipe Timeline
- Early 1800s: Green tomatoes used as a food source in early American households.
- Mid-1800s: Canning jars became popular, allowing home preservation of soups and stews.
- 1900s: Recipes like Green Tomato Soup were shared in community cookbooks, especially in rural areas.
- Today: Green Tomato Soup remains a favorite for home gardeners and vintage recipe enthusiasts.
Recipe Discussion
The key to making this soup lies in balancing the flavors. Green tomatoes are naturally acidic, and the sugar helps to mellow this tang. Onions add a sweet and savory base, while mustard and black pepper give a peppery kick. The allspice and cloves introduce a warm, spiced note that makes this soup unique. Cooking everything together allows the ingredients to blend harmoniously.
One of the best aspects of this soup is its versatility. You can enjoy it fresh, but it also cans beautifully. Sealing the soup in jars ensures you have a flavorful base ready for meals throughout the year. It’s simple yet full of depth.
Preparation Tips
- Peeling Tomatoes: To easily peel tomatoes, blanch them in boiling water for a few seconds and then transfer them to ice water.
- Spice Adjustments: If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of mustard or skip the cloves.
- Preservation: Ensure your jars and lids are properly sterilized if you plan to can the soup.
- Thicker Soup: For a heartier texture, you can add diced potatoes or a roux to thicken the soup.
- Flavor Development: Letting the soup sit overnight enhances the spice flavors.
Recommended Kitchen Products
The links below lead to top-rated products on Amazon—if you use our links, we can save more recipes:
- Canning Kit: A set that includes a jar lifter, funnel, and other tools essential for home canning.
- Heavy-Duty Soup Pot: Great for simmering soups evenly without scorching the bottom.
- Spice Grinder: Freshly ground spices can make a big difference in flavor, especially for this recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Crusty Bread: Pair with rustic bread for a satisfying meal.
- Savory Crackers: Serve alongside the soup to add crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted root vegetables complements the soup’s flavors.
- Cheese Board: Offer a selection of sharp cheeses, which pairs well with the tangy soup.
A Hearty Soup Worth Preserving
Green Tomato Soup is more than just a way to use up your garden produce; it’s a taste of history. The blend of spices and the unique flavor of green tomatoes create a memorable dish. Whether you enjoy it right away or save it for later, it’s a timeless recipe that brings comfort and nostalgia. Try it, and you’ll appreciate how these traditional flavors stand the test of time.
Start Your Recipe Box
- Start your recipe box or your family or friends. View New and Vintage Recipe Boxes
- View Recipe Cards and Templates
- View Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves
Vintage Goodies
- Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy
- Vintage Recipes on Amazon
- Vintage Cookbooks on eBay
- Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy
Green Tomato Soup Recipe
Green Tomato Soup
Ingredients
- Slice pickled green tomatoes
- 12 onions
- 1 qt sugar
- 2 tablespoon salt
- ground mustard & black pepper
- 1 tablespoon each of allspice & cloves.
Instructions
- Slice pickled green tomatoes, 12 onions, 1 qt sugar, 2 tablespoon salt, ground mustard & black pepper, 1 tablespoon each of allspice & cloves.
- Cook all together until tender & seal in glass jars.