Experience a taste of Southern charm with our Crispy Southern Fried Green Tomatoes. This delightful dish features unripe green tomatoes sliced and coated in a seasoned cornmeal mixture, then fried to a perfect golden crisp. They're tangy, crunchy, and utterly delicious – a perfect appetizer or side dish that brings a bit of Southern flair to any meal.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- This recipe serves 4 people.
- Each serving consists of 3-4 fried green tomato slices.
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 200 kcal
- Protein: 3 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
Ingredients
- Green tomatoes: 4, sliced
- Cornmeal: 120 g (1 cup)
- All-purpose flour: 60 g (1/2 cup)
- Eggs: 2, beaten
- Buttermilk: 120 ml (1/2 cup)
- Paprika: 1 tsp
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: to taste
- Vegetable oil: for frying
- Hot sauce: optional, for serving
Method of Preparation
- In one bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- Dip each tomato slice first in the egg mixture, then in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coat.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tomato slices until golden brown on each side, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot, optionally with a side of hot sauce for dipping.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Choose firm green tomatoes for the best texture.
- Keep the oil temperature consistent for even frying.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet to ensure each slice gets crispy.
FAQs
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, though they won't be as crispy. Bake on a greased sheet at 200°C (400°F) until golden.
How do I store leftovers?
Store in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best texture.
Can I add other seasonings to the cornmeal mix?
Absolutely! Customize with cayenne pepper, onion powder, or other favorite spices.