Mastering Southern Fried Green Tomatoes

Have you ever savored tomatoes in various recipes but never tasted them fried? Well, I was just like you until I tried this delightful recipe. After numerous trials and photographing the process, I was more than ready to indulge in these treats! To my surprise, I had eaten over half the plate before realizing I should save some for my husband, who was patiently waiting for a taste test. The remaining fried tomatoes were quickly turned into a scrumptious sandwich, served with arugula and a homemade remoulade sauce.

The Unique Taste and Tradition of Fried Green Tomatoes

The final taste of fried green tomatoes can only be described as an irresistible blend of crunchiness and sweetness from the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, juxtaposed with the tangy and juicy tomato interior. Parmesan imparts a pungent, earthy flavor that renders this dish unique.

Traditionally a Southern American delicacy, Fried Green Tomatoes are usually dipped in cornmeal and fried in bacon fat. However, this dish goes beyond being just comfort food. If you’ve never had green tomatoes before, the fried version is definitely a must-try.

Understanding Green Tomatoes:

Per the Old Farmer’s Almanac, green tomatoes are often indicative of being unripe. But there are exceptions, like the Aunt Ruby’s German Greens. These tomatoes are ripe when slightly soft and plump, offering a sweeter and fruitier taste compared to acidic red tomatoes.

Preparing Fried Green Tomatoes:

Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide to make delicious fried green tomatoes:

1. Slice tomatoes into half-inch pieces.
2. Place them on a cooling rack, sprinkle salt on both sides, and leave for 20 minutes.
3. Pat them dry before dusting with seasoned flour.
4. Dip the tomatoes in an egg mixture, followed by a breadcrumb-parmesan mix.
5. Heat olive oil mixed with butter on medium-high heat to cover only ¼ inch bottom of the pan.
6. Bake in the oven at 375 F until golden brown.

Dip Choices:

These scrumptious treats can be served with various dips like ranch dressing, remoulade, or Mississippi comeback sauce. I chose to make a remoulade, a tartar sauce-like concoction. A simple mix of mayonnaise, Dijon, lime zest, and juice, spiced up with sriracha sauce and topped with fresh chopped cilantro makes a perfect companion for the fried green tomatoes.

Serving Suggestions:

Fried green tomatoes are versatile; they can stand on their own as a snack or be served as a starter at parties. You can also team them up with bacon, cheese, and pickles for a delicious meal, or cut them into smaller pieces and add them to your salad. They make excellent toppings for avocado toast or a side dish for southern favorites like fried chicken or mac and cheese.

So, there you have it! The perfect recipe to make mouthwatering Fried Green Tomatoes. We’d love to hear your experiences with the recipe. Feel free to comment below or share your delicious creations on social media. Happy cooking!