Fried Green Tomatoes

Fried Green Tomatoes?

Ever since that wonderful movie with Jessica Tandy, I’ve wondered about fried green tomatoes. Do people really eat green tomatoes?

I recall being served fried tomatoes for breakfast once, but they weren’t green.

Yes, You Can Make Fried Green Tomatoes!

Curious as usual, we found some big green tomatoes at the farmers market last weekend and just had to try these fried green tomatoes. What follows is how to make fried green tomatoes that even first-timers can manage with great success.

The verdict at this house? Yum! What a great way to make use of early-season tomatoes.

Fried Green Tomatoes

If you can find it, use fine white cornmeal, which is the primary cornmeal used in the South. Buttermilk adds flavor and tang, but is not strictly necessary.

Ingredients

• 3 medium-sized, firm green tomatoes
• Kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1/3 cup fine white cornmeal
• 1/2 cup fine dry bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup peanut, canola, or olive oil for frying

Method

1. Slice and salt green tomatoes:Cut unpeeled tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices. Sprinkle slices with salt. Let tomato slices stand for 5 minutes.
2. Set out shallow bowls with coating ingredients:While the salted green tomato slices are resting, place in three separate, shallow bowls: 1) the flour and Cajun seasoning (if using), 2) buttermilk and egg, and 3) breadcrumbs and cornmeal.Whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
3. Bread the tomato slices:Heat the oil in a skillet on medium heat. Dip the green tomato slices in the flour-seasoning, then the buttermilk-egg mixture, then the cornmeal-breadcrumb mix.
4. Fry the breaded tomatoes:In the skillet, fry half of the coated tomato slices at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until brown.Set the cooked tomatoes on paper towels to drain.These fried green tomatoes are fantastic with a little hot sauce or remoulade.