In the verdant landscapes of Romania, green tomatoes aren't just considered leftover produce; they hold a special place in our culinary traditions. Fermented green tomatoes, tucked away in jars to be enjoyed as pickles during the long winter, are a staple in many households. 

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That being said, for the longest time, in my opinion, that was the only purpose these unripe gems served. But change is the essence of life. In recent years, with a surge in backyard gardening, a need emerged to find more uses for our garden's green bounty. 

Thus, after 35 years on this Earth, I stumbled upon an easy green tomato recipe that's now one of my absolute favorites. Let's dive into one of the best green tomato recipes you'll ever try.

How to Make this Delicious Green Tomato Chicken Skillet

• Run the chicken thighs through a grinder. If you work with minced turkey or poultry, just skip this step.
• Heat oil in a skillet that is also ovenproof and cook the ground chicken on one side for 3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

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• Remove and set aside on a plate.
• In the same skillet, sauté the onion, garlic, finely chopped green tomatoes, and eggplant. Cook them on low heat for around 5-6 minutes.
• Add the liquid cream, water, and the spices (cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper). Let this cook for 7-9 minutes.

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• Return the chicken to the skillet.

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• Sprinkle some grated cheddar on top.

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• Then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 250°C (with ventilation on) for 3 minutes.
• Once out of the oven, garnish with pickled jalapenos, a hint of harissa, and freshly chopped coriander.

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• Serve hot.

Green Tomatoes: More than Just Color

Beyond being an integral part of our culinary traditions, green tomatoes also boast impressive nutritional content. 

Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they offer numerous health benefits. While they might not have the luscious red hue of their ripened counterparts, green tomatoes hold their own when it comes to nutrition.

FAQs: Addressing Curiosities about Green Tomatoes

Let's dig in more in-depth on the matter of green tomatoes.

Q: Will a green tomato ripen off the vine?

A: Green tomatoes will continue to rip off the vine, especially if kept in a warm place.

Q: Are unripe tomatoes good for you?

A: Absolutely! Unripe tomatoes are rich in certain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. They can be a healthy addition to your diet.

Q: Are green tomatoes the same as tomatillos?

A: No, they are not. While both might share a color, tomatillos have a papery husk and are more related to gooseberries. They also have a distinct flavor compared to green tomatoes.

Q: Green tomatoes vs red tomatoes: What's the difference?

A: Aside from the obvious color difference, green tomatoes are firmer and have a tangier taste than red tomatoes' sweet flavor. Nutritionally, both types offer a good dose of essential vitamins and minerals.

Q: Are green tomatoes poisonous?

A: No, green tomatoes are not poisonous. However, they contain more tomatine than ripe tomatoes. Consuming green tomatoes in regular food quantities is safe for most people, but eating them in very large amounts might cause some digestive discomfort.

This being said, that's a wrap. I can promise you that if you try this dish, you will thank me for the years to come as this will become a family regular in your household, as it happened in our case.

Try out this easy green tomato recipe and let your palate embark on a delightful journey!