Fried green tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish that has been delighting taste buds for generations. With their crispy, golden exterior and tangy, firm interior, fried green tomatoes are the perfect combination of savory and satisfying. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to this dish, it’s a treat that will quickly become a favorite.
This recipe for fried green tomatoes is simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients, but delivers amazing flavor every time. Serve them as a side dish, appetizer, or snack, and they’re sure to be the star of any meal!
Ingredients:
• 4-5 medium green tomatoes
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional for extra flavor)
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk, but buttermilk works best)
• Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
• Start by slicing the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices. Green tomatoes are firm and tart, and their texture is perfect for frying.
• Lay the tomato slices on a paper towel and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. This will help remove excess moisture from the tomatoes.
2. Set Up the Dipping Stations:
• In a shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir until everything is well mixed.
• In another bowl, pour the buttermilk. This will be used to dip the tomato slices before coating them in the dry mixture.
3. Coat the Tomatoes:
• Dip each slice of tomato into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s completely covered.
• Next, dredge the tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s well-coated. Repeat this process until all tomato slices are coated.
4. Fry the Tomatoes:
• Heat about 1/4-inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want the oil to be hot but not smoking.
• Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
• Fry the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip them carefully.
• Once fried, transfer the tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
5. Serve:
• Serve your fried green tomatoes hot, as a side dish, appetizer, or snack. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing or a tangy remoulade for an extra kick.
Why You’ll Love Fried Green Tomatoes:
• Crispy & Crunchy: The outer coating is perfectly crispy, making every bite a satisfying crunch.
• Tart & Savory: The green tomatoes provide a tart flavor that balances beautifully with the crunchy coating, creating a delightful contrast.
• Versatile: Fried green tomatoes can be served as a side dish, appetizer, or even a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Serving Suggestions:
These crispy treats can be served with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, creamy garlic, or even a spicy aioli. They also make a fantastic accompaniment to Southern dishes like fried chicken, collard greens, or macaroni and cheese.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):
• Calories: 200-250 kcal
• Carbs: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Protein: 3g
• Fiber: 2g
(Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the ingredients used.)
Conclusion:
Fried green tomatoes are a delicious, crispy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they’re sure to impress anyone who tries them. With their tangy, savory flavor and crispy texture, fried green tomatoes are a must-try Southern classic!