Fried green tomatoes, a classic Southern dish, offer a delightful combination of tangy, crispy, and savory flavors that make them a favorite snack or side dish for many. This recipe, adapted from “In the World Kitchen,” promises a quick and easy preparation, perfect for those craving a taste of Southern comfort in just 15 minutes.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup cornmeal
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons water
- 2 large green tomatoes
- Oil for frying (bacon grease for extra flavor, if desired)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Coating: In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. This blend will give your fried green tomatoes a crispy and flavorful coating.
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Beat the Eggs: In another bowl, beat the eggs and water together to create an egg wash. This will help the cornmeal mixture adhere to the tomato slices, ensuring a crunchy crust when fried.
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Coat the Tomatoes: Slice the green tomatoes into thick rounds. Dredge each tomato slice first in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated, then dip it into the egg wash, and finally coat it again with the cornmeal mixture. Repeat this process until all the tomato slices are coated.
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Chill Time: Place the coated tomato slices in an airtight container with a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chill time allows the coating to set and helps prevent it from falling off during frying.
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Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. For an extra flavor boost, consider using bacon grease instead of plain oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering.
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Fry the Tomatoes: Working in batches of two or three slices at a time, carefully place the coated tomato slices into the hot oil. Fry them until they’re golden brown on both sides, which should take about 2 minutes per side. Be attentive to avoid burning and ensure even cooking.
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Drain and Serve: Once fried to perfection, transfer the fried green tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve them hot and crispy as a delicious snack or side dish.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 468
- Fat Content: 31g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.5g
- Cholesterol Content: 105.8mg
- Sodium Content: 1218.4mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 40.6g
- Fiber Content: 3.4g
- Sugar Content: 4g
- Protein Content: 8.6g
Recipe Notes:
- These fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh and hot, straight from the skillet.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add a dash of cayenne pepper for some heat or incorporate herbs like thyme or basil for extra flavor.
- Serve the fried green tomatoes with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as ranch dressing, remoulade, or a spicy aioli, to enhance their taste.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they may lose some crispiness upon reheating. Reheat them in the oven or toaster oven for best results.
- Experiment with different coatings by incorporating breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or even crushed crackers for added texture and flavor.
