Use Up Those Green Tomatoes Bars Recipe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 24 (2 dozen bars)
Difficulty: Easy
Looking for a creative way to use up those leftover green tomatoes? These Use Up Those Green Tomatoes Bars are an unexpected yet delicious treat, with the tangy flavor of cooked green tomatoes pairing perfectly with the sweetness of brown sugar and oats. This recipe combines the rich texture of a crumbly oat topping with the depth of tomato jam, creating a delightful bar that’s perfect for sharing at any gathering. These bars can be served for dessert, as a snack, or even as a unique addition to a potluck or bake sale. With the flavors of fall and a bit of nostalgia, these bars will surely become a favorite!
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Green tomatoes | 4 medium | Sliced and drained |
| Brown sugar | 2 cups | Divided into 1 cup for the filling and 1 cup for the crust |
| Fresh lemon juice | 2 tablespoons | Freshly squeezed |
| Unsalted butter | 1/2 cup (1 stick) | Softened to room temperature |
| All-purpose flour | 1 1/2 cups | |
| Baking soda | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon | |
| Old fashioned oats | 2 cups | Rolled oats for texture |
| Walnuts | 1/2 cup | Chopped, optional, for crunch |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 198.2 |
| Fat Content | 7.9g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 3.9g |
| Cholesterol Content | 15.2mg |
| Sodium Content | 85.1mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 30.5g |
| Fiber Content | 1.4g |
| Sugar Content | 19.2g |
| Protein Content | 2.5g |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by slicing your green tomatoes into small pieces. Lay them out on paper towels to drain for about 10 minutes. This will remove excess moisture from the tomatoes, ensuring your bars aren’t too soggy.
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Cook the Tomato Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the drained green tomatoes with 1 cup of brown sugar and the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Simmer this mixture over medium heat, uncovered, for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the mixture to thicken to a jam-like consistency. Once done, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in lemon flavor extract for a hint of citrusy sweetness. Set this aside to cool slightly.
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Make the Crust: In a large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and the remaining 1 cup of brown sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes with a hand mixer on medium speed.
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Add Dry Ingredients: To the butter-sugar mixture, add the flour, baking soda, and salt. Mix well until all the dry ingredients are fully incorporated.
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Stir in Oats and Nuts: Fold in the old fashioned oats and the chopped walnuts (if using). These will add texture and flavor to the bars.
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Assemble the Bars: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan. Take 2 1/2 cups of the oat mixture and press it into the bottom of the prepared baking pan, creating an even layer. The oats will act as the base for your bars.
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Layer with Tomato Mixture: Spread the slightly cooled tomato filling evenly over the oat base. Be gentle to avoid disrupting the oat layer.
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Add the Crumb Topping: Crumble the remaining oat mixture over the top of the tomato layer. This will create a crumbly, crunchy topping as it bakes.
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Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bars turn golden brown and the top is set. The filling should be bubbly around the edges.
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Cool and Serve: Allow the bars to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, cut into 24 squares (or adjust based on desired portion size). Enjoy these bars as a unique dessert or snack!
Tips & Variations:
- Tomato Texture: If you prefer a smoother texture in the filling, you can blend the cooked tomato mixture before spreading it on the base.
- Spices: For extra warmth, consider adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the filling or oat mixture.
- Nuts: Walnuts are optional, but they provide a wonderful crunch and flavor. If you prefer a different nut, try chopped pecans or almonds.
- Make Ahead: These bars can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They also freeze well for up to a month.
These Use Up Those Green Tomatoes Bars are a fun and unexpected way to incorporate green tomatoes into a dessert. The combination of sweet and tart flavors, paired with the crunch of oats and nuts, will have your family and friends coming back for more. Enjoy!
