Fried Green Tomatoes

First, NOT the 1980’s movie but a REAL Southern Delicacy! 

Besides the movie, there are a couple of possible reactions to Fried Green Tomatoes…

EWWW! What in the world is that?

or

Oh Yeah, I’ve been eatin’ those all my life!

Fried Green Tomatoes are a very traditional Southern dish and they are just what the name says, green tomatoes (as in not ripe), sliced, breaded and fried.  They have a somewhat tangy, tart flavor.  My husband LOVES  them but I will admit, he’s the only one at our house who does.  

I try to make them a few times each summer when I can buy green tomatoes from a local farmer at our town’s little farmer’s market. These were purchased and prepared while my in-laws were visiting…they like them, too.  I ended up with four green tomatoes and about half a dozen ripe ones for $2….now, THAT’S a great deal!  

My experience purchasing these made me chuckle a little.  I was looking at the tomatoes in the bed of this farmer’s truck and realized his green ones weren’t quite “green” enough (beginning to get ripe) so I asked him if he had any more.  He went straight to the cab and pulled out a bunch more.  

When we lived up North I couldn’t buy them so easily.  First, if I was at a farmer’s market no one had green tomatoes with them.  If I ran across someone selling them from their front yard, I would ask if they had any.  The question was usually followed by a very puzzled look.  I would then explain that I wanted to fry them.  That was usually followed by a simple, “Ok” and another look that showed concern for my knowledge of the proper use of the tomato.  But, they would usually take me to their garden and let me pick a couple off the vine, for which I was very grateful.  

These are best served with some turnip greens, fried okra, black eyed peas, and corn bread….meat optional.

They aren’t that pretty to look at so they will go into my new food category…”Ugly Ducklings”.  My son and mother-in law came up with the name.  We all have those dishes, you know the ones….not so good to look at, but sure do taste great!  

Here’s the Recipe:

1 large green tomato (no red on it, but needs to be “fully” green)

1/4 cup corn meal

1/4 cup flour

Seasoned Salt- one generous sprinkle

Pepper – to taste

oil for pan frying 

Slice a thin slice off the top and bottom of the tomato and discard.  Cut out the core if necessary.

Then slice tomato in about 1/4 inch thick slices, you should get about 4 slices

Combine dry ingredients on a small plate or in a shallow bowl

Place oil in a skillet and heat – you want enough oil so the tomatoes are only covered about half way. 

When oil is hot, dredge each slice of tomato in the flour mixture

Place slices in hot oil and fry 

Keep a close eye on your oil, reduce heat so they don’t burn on the outside before getting done

After a couple of minutes, turn tomato slices and let them cook on the other side

When tomatoes are golden brown and tender in the center, remove from skillet and drain on paper towels

Serve immediately, they can get “mushy” if they sit.  

Just curious….

How many of you have ever had Fried Green Tomatoes?

Fried Green Tomatoes

2014-08-02 12:54:35

A little tart, a little tangy but a true Southern delicacy

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Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

15 min

Prep Time

5 min

Cook Time

10 min

Total Time

15 min

Ingredients

1. 1 large green tomato (no red on it, but needs to be "fully" green)
2. 1/4 cup corn meal
3. 1/4 cup flour
4. Seasoned Salt
5. Pepper
6. oil for pan frying

Instructions

1. Slice a thin slice off the top and bottom of the tomato and discard. Cut out the core if necessary.
2. Then slice tomato in about 1/4 inch thick slices, you should get about 4 slices
3. Combine dry ingredients on a small plate or in a shallow bowl
4. Slice tomato in about 1/4 inch thick slices
5. Combine dry ingredients on a small plate or in a shallow bowl
6. Place slices in hot oil and fry
7. Keep a close eye on your oil, reduce heat so they don't burn on the outside before getting done
8. After a couple of minutes, turn tomato slices and let them cook on the other side
9. When tomatoes are golden brown and tender in the center, remove from skillet and drain on paper towels

Notes

1. Watch the oil closely, if it gets too hot the tomatoes will burn on the outside before getting done
2. Serve immediately or they may get "mushy"

By Danita @O Taste And See

O Taste and See https://otasteandseeblog.com/