Fried green tomatoes are a quintessential Southern delicacy that captures the essence of comfort food. With their crispy exterior and tender, slightly tangy flesh, these tomatoes offer a unique flavor profile that is both refreshing and satisfying. Whether served as an appetizer or a side dish, fried green tomatoes are sure to impress your guests and bring a taste of the South to your table.
Ingredients
– 3 medium green tomatoes
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 cup cornmeal
– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup buttermilk
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes, with a cooking time of about 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (approximately 4 slices) contains:
– Calories: 250
– Protein: 5g
– Fat: 12g
– Carbohydrates: 35g
– Fiber: 2g
This nutritional information is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
2. Sprinkle salt on the tomato slices and let them sit for 10 minutes to draw out moisture.
3. In one bowl, place the flour and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together.
5. In a third bowl, mix the cornmeal with salt and pepper.
6. Dredge each tomato slice in flour, shaking off excess.
7. Dip the floured slice into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
8. Coat the slice with cornmeal, pressing gently to adhere.
9. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat until shimmering.
10. Fry the coated tomato slices for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
11. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option. Additionally, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for extra crunch.
Serving and Pairings
Fried green tomatoes pair well with remoulade or ranch dressing. They can also be served alongside fried chicken, grilled meats, or as a topping for salads for added texture.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover fried green tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven (375°F) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness. They can be frozen, but the texture may change upon reheating.
Cooking Mistakes
- Not salting the tomatoes beforehand can lead to sogginess.
- Using oil that isn’t hot enough will make the coating greasy.
- Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature.
- Skipping the buttermilk can affect the flavor and texture.
- Not pressing the cornmeal into the tomatoes may result in a sparse coating.
Helpful Tips
- Choose firm, unripe tomatoes for the best results.
- Let the oil heat properly before frying.
- Experiment with spices in the cornmeal for added flavor.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
FAQs
What are fried green tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are slices of unripe green tomatoes coated in a flour and cornmeal mixture, then deep-fried until crispy. They are a popular dish in Southern cuisine.
Can I use ripe tomatoes instead?
While ripe tomatoes can be used, they will become too soft when fried. Green tomatoes offer the best texture and flavor for this dish.
What can I serve with fried green tomatoes?
They pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like remoulade or ranch dressing and make a great side dish for fried chicken or grilled meats.
How do I make them gluten-free?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornmeal is also gluten-free.
Can I prepare them ahead of time?
You can prep the tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. However, it’s best to fry them just before serving for optimal crispness.
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are not just a dish; they are a celebration of Southern heritage and flavors. Perfectly crispy and delicious, they make a delightful addition to any meal. Whether enjoyed as a snack or a side, they are sure to become a favorite at your table.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 3 medium green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
- Sprinkle salt on the tomato slices and let them sit for 10 minutes.
- In one bowl, place the flour and season with salt and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together.
- In a third bowl, mix the cornmeal with salt and pepper.
- Dredge each tomato slice in flour, dip into the egg mixture, and coat with cornmeal.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
- Fry each coated slice for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown.
- Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
