Tomatillos (Physalis) are a related to but very different from your garden tomatoes. Even if you didn't know what they are you've probably eaten them in popular dishes like Chile Verde or what's frequently referred to as "green salsa". Many recipes even use them in their guacamole. If you'd like to read even more about this fruit check out our more comprehensive Tomatillos Cooking Growing and Eating. You can read about the history, steps on how to grown, how to clean and store, etc.
Meanwhile there is an outside chance you don't like tomatillos or you just can't find them in time to make the recipe you've selected. Fear not, there are some alternatives. Before we go into the substitutes let me say this. Tomatillos have a very specific, tart, acidic flavor. If tomatillos are the key ingredient in your recipe and you don't like them then, really, you should consider just selecting another recipe. But if on the other hand if they are "second string" players in the recipe then try one of these options.
Ok so you've decided you don't have, don't want or can't find tomatillos. Here is what you could use instead:
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