Fried green tomatoes

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that’s crispy, tangy, and delicious. Here’s a simple and tasty recipe to make them:

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium green tomatoes
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tomatoes:
2. Wash and slice the green tomatoes into ¼-inch thick slices.
3. Sprinkle both sides of the tomato slices with salt and pepper. Let them sit on a paper towel for about 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
4. Set Up Breading Station:
5. In one shallow bowl, place the flour.
6. In another shallow bowl, combine the cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
7. In a third shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
8. Coat the Tomatoes:
9. Dredge each tomato slice in the flour, coating both sides and shaking off the excess.
10. Dip the floured tomato slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
11. Finally, dredge the tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well.
12. Fry the Tomatoes:
13. Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small pinch of cornmeal into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
14. Working in batches, fry the tomato slices in the hot oil until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
15. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
16. Serve:
17. Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, with your favorite dipping sauce or as a side dish. They pair wonderfully with ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.

Tips

• Tomato Selection: Choose firm green tomatoes that are unripe but still have a good texture for frying.
• Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid burning the coating. If the oil is too hot, the coating might burn before the tomatoes cook through.
• Make Ahead: You can bread the tomato slices ahead of time and refrigerate them until you’re ready to fry.

Enjoy your crispy, flavorful fried green tomatoes! They’re a great addition to any meal or as a stand-alone treat.