April Vegetable of the Month!!!

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlights a fruit and vegetable each month. The chosen vegetable for April is:

The Tomatillo



Tomatillos are small fruits (used as a vegetable) enclosed in a husk. The fruit resembles a small unripe tomato and is usually green or yellow. The yellow color indicates ripeness, but tomatillos are most often used when they are still green. Green tomatillos are firmer and easier to slice. The husk that holds the fruit is paper-like and is light brown. The flesh is slightly acidic with a hint of lemon. Tomatillos belong to the same family as tomatoes.

The Aztecs first grew tomatillos as far back as 800 B.C. and they have been popular in Mexico and other Latin American countries for many years. In the US, they are mainly grown in Texas. To learn more about the tomatillo click here.

Corn & Tomatillo Soup
Makes 8 servings

Each serving equals 1 cup of fruit or vegetables

Ingredients

1½ cup tomatillos
1½ cup onion, chopped
2 garlic gloves, diced
1 tsp margarine
3¾ cup whole kernel corn
1 cup frozen peas
4 cups low sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp cilantro, chopped
4 oz diced green chilies
¼ cup spinach, chopped
1 tsp sugar

Sautè tomatillos, onion and garlic in with margarine for five minutes. Remove to food processor and add peas and cilantro. Puree to chunky. Pour in pan and add chicken stock, diced green chilies, chopped spinach, corn, and sugar. Heat and serve.

Nutritional analysis per serving: Calories 128, Protein 5g, Fat 2g, Calories From Fat 14%, Cholesterol 2mg, Carbohydrates 25g, Fiber 4g, Sodium 113mg.