Fried green tomatoes are a delightful Southern dish that brings a taste of nostalgia to your table. With their tangy flavor and crispy coating, these tomatoes are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. This recipe is simple, yet the result is spectacular and sure to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive into the ingredients and cooking process to create this classic comfort food!
Ingredients
– 4 medium green tomatoes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Vegetable oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with an additional 15 minutes for cooking.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (about 3-4 slices) contains approximately:
– Calories: 210
– Protein: 5g
– Carbohydrates: 30g
– Fat: 8g
– Fiber: 4g
This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Start by washing and slicing the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, pour the buttermilk and beat in the eggs until combined.
4. In a third bowl, place the cornmeal.
5. Dip each tomato slice first into the flour mixture, coating both sides.
6. Next, dip the floured slice into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
7. Finally, coat the slice in cornmeal, pressing lightly to adhere.
8. Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
9. Once hot, carefully place the coated tomato slices in the skillet, cooking in batches.
10. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
11. Remove the fried tomatoes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute cornmeal with breadcrumbs for a different texture. Additionally, if you don’t have buttermilk, regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar can be used as a substitute.
Serving and Pairings
Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, but they pair well with remoulade sauce, ranch dressing, or as a side to fried chicken. They also make a great topping for salads or sandwiches.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. While they can be frozen, they may lose some crispiness when thawed.
Cooking Mistakes
- Using ripe tomatoes will make them mushy; ensure they are firm and green.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain oil temperature.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tomatoes to prevent sogginess.
- Let excess buttermilk drip off before coating in cornmeal.
- Allow the fried tomatoes to drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with spices by adding cayenne pepper for a kick.
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the tomatoes in buttermilk and cornmeal.
- Make sure the skillet is deep enough for frying to avoid splatters.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I use ripe tomatoes instead of green ones?
Using ripe tomatoes is not recommended as they will become mushy when fried. Stick to firm green tomatoes for the best results.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornmeal is also gluten-free.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is commonly used, but you can also use peanut oil or canola oil for frying due to their high smoke points.
Can I bake the tomatoes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them, but they will not have the same crispy texture. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it. If it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are a delicious and unique dish that showcases the bold flavors of Southern cuisine. With their crispy exterior and tangy taste, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy them as an appetizer or side dish, and savor the delightful crunch with every bite!
Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 medium green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Wash and slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, pour the buttermilk and beat in the eggs until combined.
- In a third bowl, place the cornmeal.
- Dip each tomato slice first into the flour mixture, coating both sides.
- Next, dip the floured slice into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Finally, coat the slice in cornmeal, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Heat about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Carefully place the coated tomato slices in the skillet, cooking in batches.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fried tomatoes and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
