Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that has gained popularity across the United States for their tangy flavor and crispy texture. This dish transforms unripe tomatoes into a delectable treat, with a crunchy exterior and a firm, slightly tart interior. They can be served as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course with the right accompaniments.
Ingredients
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for a bit of spice)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups cornmeal or breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Preparation
Prepare the Tomatoes:
- Begin by washing and slicing the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices. Use paper towels to pat the slices dry, removing excess moisture which helps in getting a crispy coating.
Mix Dry Ingredients: 2. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and optional paprika. Stir these ingredients until they are well mixed.
Egg Wash: 3. In another shallow dish, beat together the eggs and milk until they form a smooth liquid.
Cornmeal or Breadcrumbs: 4. Place the cornmeal or breadcrumbs in a third shallow dish. This will be the final coating for the tomatoes.
Coat the Tomatoes: 5. Dredge each tomato slice first in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Dip the floured slice into the egg wash, then coat it with the cornmeal or breadcrumbs. Ensure each slice is evenly covered on all sides to achieve a uniform crust.
Heat the Oil: 6. Pour about ½ inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. The oil is at the right temperature when a small amount of flour dropped into it sizzles and fries immediately.
Fry the Tomatoes: 7. Fry the coated tomato slices in batches, allowing space between them, for 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Drain: 8. Once fried, remove the tomato slices from the oil and drain them on paper towels or a cooling rack set over a baking sheet to remove excess oil.
Serve Hot: 9. Serve the fried green tomatoes immediately while they are hot and crispy. They are delightful on their own or enhanced with a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, remoulade, or a spicy aioli.
COOKING Note
- It's important to keep the oil at a consistent temperature throughout frying to ensure all the slices cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
Serving Suggestions
Fried green tomatoes can be served as an appetizer with various dipping sauces, or used as a topping for burgers and sandwiches for added crunch and flavor.
Tips
- For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the tomato slices by repeating the flour and egg wash process before the final coating.
- Adding herbs or spices to the flour mixture or breadcrumbs can give an additional flavor boost to the tomatoes.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Time:
- 10 minutes
Total Time:
- 25 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 200 per serving (varies with frying time and oil absorption)
- Protein: Approx. 4g per serving
- Sodium: Approx. 300mg per serving
Conclusion
Fried green tomatoes are a delightful southern delicacy, offering a perfect balance of tangy and crispy that can add a burst of flavor and texture to any meal. This simple yet satisfying dish is a testament to the magic of transforming simple ingredients into something truly special.
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