Green tomatoes are a staple of Southern cuisine, and they add a delicious twist to traditional fried foods. Here's how you can easily make crispy and flavorful southern fried green tomatoes:
Ingredients:
- 4 medium-sized green tomatoes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- All-purpose flour
- Buttermilk
- Egg
- Cayenne pepper (optional)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4 inch thick slices.
2. Sprinkle salt on both sides of each slice and let it sit for 10 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
3. Rinse off the salt from the tomato slices and pat them dry with paper towels.
4. In a shallow dish, mix together 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour with 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional).
5. In another shallow dish, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk with 1 egg.
6. Dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture first, then in the buttermilk mixture and finally in the flour mixture again.
7. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature of 350°F.
8. Carefully add the coated tomato slices to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
9. Fry each slice for about 2 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and crispy.
10. Remove the fried green tomatoes from the skillet with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Sprinkle salt and pepper on top of the fried green tomatoes and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup or mayonnaise.
Tips:
- For best results, use fresh green tomatoes that are firm to the touch.
- If you don't have buttermilk, you can make it by combining 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- You can also add some herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
Southern fried green tomatoes are a perfect side dish for barbecues, picnics, and family gatherings. They're also great for breakfast with bacon and eggs or for lunch with a hearty salad. Enjoy this classic Southern recipe!