Fried green tomatoes are a Southern classic, offering a deliciously crispy exterior with a tangy, slightly tart interior. This dish highlights the natural flavor of unripe green tomatoes, which are firm and perfect for frying. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or even on a sandwich, fried green tomatoes add a comforting and flavorful touch to any meal.
The recipe is simple yet satisfying, and the process of breading and frying the tomatoes creates a crispy, golden coating that contrasts beautifully with the juicy tomato inside. Let’s dive into how to make this iconic Southern dish.
Ingredients:
- 4 medium green tomatoes (firm, unripe tomatoes)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or a plant-based alternative)
- Vegetable oil for frying
1. Prepare the Tomatoes
Start by washing the green tomatoes and patting them dry with a kitchen towel. Slice each tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds. It’s important to keep the slices relatively thick to ensure they hold their shape during frying. Sprinkle both sides of the tomato slices with a pinch of salt and set them aside. This helps draw out some of the moisture, ensuring the tomatoes stay crisp after frying.
2. Set Up the Breading Station
Next, it’s time to set up your breading station. You’ll need three shallow bowls:
- In the first bowl, add the all-purpose flour and season it with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- In the third bowl, mix the cornmeal and breadcrumbs (if using). The breadcrumbs will add an extra layer of crunch to the tomatoes, but they’re optional if you prefer a lighter coating.
3. Bread the Tomatoes
Take each tomato slice and coat it in the seasoned flour, making sure to cover both sides. Shake off any excess flour, then dip the tomato into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Repeat this process for all the tomato slices, placing the breaded tomatoes on a baking sheet or plate until ready to fry.
4. Fry the Tomatoes
In a large skillet, warm enough vegetable oil over medium heat to create a shallow layer, approximately 1/4 inch deep. You’ll want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when a breadcrumb is dropped in, but not so hot that the tomatoes burn before the coating gets crispy.
Gently add a few tomato slices to the hot oil, ensuring there’s enough space between them to prevent overcrowding in the pan. Fry the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a spatula or tongs to flip the tomatoes halfway through cooking to ensure even browning.
Once fried, transfer the tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Fried green tomatoes are best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. You can serve them with a dipping sauce like ranch, remoulade, or even a simple garlic aioli. They make a great appetizer or side dish, but you can also use them to top a sandwich or salad for a unique twist.
For a more Southern-style meal, serve the fried green tomatoes alongside cornbread, collard greens, or black-eyed peas. The crispy, tangy tomatoes complement these traditional dishes perfectly.
Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes:
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: The key to great fried green tomatoes is using firm, unripe green tomatoes. These are much more solid than ripe tomatoes, which helps them hold up during frying without turning mushy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Pan: When frying the tomatoes, it’s important not to overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures that each slice has enough room to crisp up properly without absorbing too much oil.
- Keep Them Warm: If you’re making a large batch, keep the fried tomatoes warm in a low oven (about 200°F) until you’re ready to serve.
Nutritional Benefits of Fried Green Tomatoes:
While fried green tomatoes are considered comfort food, they also offer some nutritional benefits, especially when you use high-quality ingredients and a good frying technique.
- Rich in Vitamins: Green tomatoes are an excellent source of vitamins A and C. Vitamin A supports healthy vision, skin, and immune function, while vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant that boosts immune health and promotes healing.
- High in Fiber: The cornmeal and breadcrumbs used for breading provide an additional source of dietary fiber. Fiber helps maintain digestive health and can aid in lowering cholesterol levels.
- Lycopene: Green tomatoes, like their red counterparts, contain lycopene, an antioxidant that has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease and certain cancers. Although green tomatoes have less lycopene than ripe red tomatoes, they still provide this beneficial compound.
- Controlled Fat Content: While fried green tomatoes are cooked in oil, using vegetable oil and frying at the right temperature can minimize the amount of oil absorbed by the tomatoes. Choosing a heart-healthy oil, like olive oil or avocado oil, can make this dish a more nutritious choice.
- Gluten-Free Option: For those with gluten sensitivities, you can easily make fried green tomatoes gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal. The flavor and crispness will still be delicious!
Conclusion:
Fried green tomatoes are a delicious and versatile dish that’s easy to make at home. The combination of a crispy, golden coating and the tangy, slightly tart interior of the green tomatoes makes for a unique flavor experience.