Fried Green Tomatoes are a beloved Southern dish that captures the essence of home-cooked comfort food. With their crispy golden exterior and tangy, tender interior, these tomatoes are a perfect appetizer or side dish that can be enjoyed on any occasion. This recipe transforms humble green tomatoes into a mouthwatering delight that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Let’s explore how to make this Southern favorite step by step.
Ingredients
To prepare Fried Green Tomatoes, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ cup bread crumbs
- 2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 quart vegetable oil for frying
Directions
1. Preparing the Tomatoes
Start by gathering all your ingredients to ensure a smooth cooking process. Slice the tomatoes into ½-inch thick rounds, discarding the ends. Green tomatoes are preferred for this recipe due to their firm texture and slightly tart flavor, which holds up well during frying.
2. Setting Up the Breading Station
Next, prepare three separate dishes for breading the tomatoes:
- In the first dish, place the all-purpose flour.
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined.
- In another dish, mix the cornmeal, bread crumbs, kosher salt, and ground black pepper.
This setup ensures an efficient assembly line for coating the tomato slices.
3. Coating the Tomatoes
Dip each tomato slice into the flour, coating both sides evenly. This initial layer helps the egg mixture adhere to the tomato. Next, dip the floured tomato slice into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, dredge the tomato slice in the cornmeal and bread crumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.
4. Heating the Oil
Pour the vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). It’s important to maintain this temperature to achieve a crispy, golden exterior without overcooking the tomatoes inside.
5. Frying the Tomatoes
Carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil in batches of 4 or 5, making sure they do not touch each other. Fry the tomatoes until they are crisp and golden brown on one side, about 2 to 3 minutes, then flip them and fry the other side for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. Serving the Tomatoes
Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, either on their own or with a dipping sauce of your choice. Popular options include remoulade, ranch dressing, or a spicy aioli. Enjoy the delicious combination of crispy coating and tender, tangy tomato.
Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes
- Choosing the Tomatoes: Select firm, unripe green tomatoes for the best results. They should be free of blemishes and have a consistent green color.
- Uniform Slices: Slice the tomatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate. A thickness of ½ inch is ideal.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. Maintaining 375 degrees Fahrenheit is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
- Batch Frying: Fry the tomatoes in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes.
- Draining: Let the fried tomatoes drain on paper towels to remove excess oil and keep them crispy.
Variations and Enhancements
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cornmeal and bread crumb mixture for a spicy version.
- Cheese Crust: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the bread crumb mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate dried herbs such as oregano or basil into the coating mixture for a fragrant twist.
Nutritional Information
While Fried Green Tomatoes are a delicious treat, they are also relatively high in calories and fat due to the frying process. Enjoy them in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Pairing them with a fresh salad or serving them as a side dish can help create a more balanced meal.
Serving Suggestions
Fried Green Tomatoes can be served in various ways:
- Appetizer: Serve as a starter with a selection of dipping sauces.
- Side Dish: Pair with grilled meats or a hearty stew for a satisfying meal.
- Sandwiches: Add to sandwiches or burgers for a crunchy, tangy addition.
- Brunch: Incorporate into a Southern-style brunch alongside scrambled eggs and bacon.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the tomatoes on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit until they are heated through and crispy again, about 10 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy.
Conclusion
Fried Green Tomatoes are a delightful Southern classic that offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures you can enjoy this delicious dish right at home. With a crispy, golden crust and a tender, tangy interior, these tomatoes are sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, side dish, or part of a larger meal, Fried Green Tomatoes are always a hit. So gather your ingredients, heat up the oil, and get ready to enjoy this iconic Southern treat.
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Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Classic
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Fried Green Tomatoes are a classic Southern dish featuring tangy, firm green tomatoes coated in a crispy, golden-brown cornmeal crust. These savory bites are perfect as an appetizer, side dish, or snack, offering a delightful contrast between the crunchy exterior and the juicy, slightly tart interior.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 450mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 60mg