Crispy Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes
Enjoy the delightful crunch and tangy flavor of Crispy Southern-Style Fried Green Tomatoes, a classic dish that embodies the heart of Southern cooking. This recipe features firm, unripe green tomatoes, perfectly seasoned and fried until golden brown in rich bacon drippings. They make for an irresistible appetizer, side dish, or even a unique addition to a sandwich. Inspired by the beloved novel 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg, this dish invites you to experience the essence of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy meal at home, these Fried Green Tomatoes are a timeless treat that everyone will love.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Green tomato
1 (Medium, sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Salt
to taste (Sprinkled on slices)
Pepper
to taste (Sprinkled on slices)
White cornmeal
enough to coat (For dredging tomato slices)
Bacon drippings
enough to coat the pan (Heated for frying)
Instructions
1
Begin by washing the green tomatoes thoroughly. Slice each tomato into 1/4-inch thick rounds, ensuring uniformity for even cooking.
2
Sprinkle the tomato slices generously with salt and pepper on both sides, allowing them to season for about 10 minutes. This enhances their flavor and draws out excess moisture.
3
Coat each seasoned tomato slice in white cornmeal, ensuring an even coating on both sides. This will create a lovely crispy exterior when frying.
4
In a large skillet, pour in enough bacon drippings to coat the bottom of the pan. Heat the drippings over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
5
Carefully add the cornmeal-coated tomato slices to the skillet in a single layer. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they become golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; you may need to fry in batches.
6
Once fried, transfer the tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess grease. Serve hot, and enjoy the flavors of the South!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main characteristic of this recipe?
It features firm, unripe green tomatoes fried to a golden brown in bacon drippings for a tangy and savory flavor.
How thick should the tomato slices be?
Slices should be approximately 1/4-inch thick to ensure uniform and even cooking.
Why is it important to salt the tomatoes before frying?
Salting enhances the natural flavor of the tomatoes and helps draw out excess moisture.
How long should the tomatoes sit after being seasoned?
Allow the seasoned tomato slices to sit for about 10 minutes before coating.
What coating is used to make the tomatoes crispy?
Each slice is coated in white cornmeal to create a lovely, crispy exterior.
What fat is recommended for frying these tomatoes?
Bacon drippings are recommended to provide a rich and traditional Southern flavor.
At what temperature should the tomatoes be fried?
Heat the bacon drippings over medium heat until they are shimmering but not smoking.
How long do you fry each side of the tomato?
Fry the slices for about 3-4 minutes per side.
How do you know when the fried green tomatoes are finished cooking?
They are done when they become golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
Why should you avoid overcrowding the pan?
Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature; frying in batches ensures each slice stays crispy.
What is the best way to remove excess grease after frying?
Transfer the fried tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Should these tomatoes be served hot or cold?
For the best flavor and texture, serve the fried green tomatoes while they are still hot.
What kind of tomatoes are necessary for this recipe?
You must use firm, unripe green tomatoes to maintain the correct texture during frying.
Is this recipe considered a Southern classic?
Yes, it is a timeless dish that embodies the heart of Southern hospitality and cooking.
Can these be served as an appetizer?
Absolutely, they make for an irresistible appetizer or a great side dish.
Can I add these tomatoes to a sandwich?
Yes, fried green tomatoes are a unique and delicious addition to many sandwich varieties.
What literary work inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved novel 'Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe' by Fannie Flagg.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 5 ingredients: green tomatoes, salt, pepper, white cornmeal, and bacon drippings.
Is white cornmeal required?
The recipe specifies white cornmeal to achieve the traditional crispy exterior.
What is the first step in preparing the tomatoes?
The first step is to wash the green tomatoes thoroughly before slicing.
Do you season both sides of the tomato?
Yes, sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides of each slice.
Can I use red tomatoes instead?
No, red tomatoes are too soft; you need the firmness of unripe green tomatoes for this specific dish.
What texture should the finished tomatoes have?
They should have a delightful crunch on the outside and a tender, tangy inside.
Is this recipe suitable for gatherings?
Yes, it is a perfect treat for social gatherings or a cozy meal at home.
How do you ensure an even coating of cornmeal?
Dredge each seasoned slice in the cornmeal, ensuring both sides are fully covered.
What is the purpose of the shimmering oil?
Shimmering oil indicates it is at the correct temperature for frying without burning the coating.
Can I use black pepper for seasoning?
Yes, the recipe calls for pepper to taste as part of the initial seasoning step.
How many slices do you get from a medium tomato?
While it depends on the exact size, slicing at 1/4-inch thickness usually yields several rounds.
Does the recipe use any liquid batter?
No, this recipe uses a dry dredge method with cornmeal rather than a liquid batter.
What is the overall flavor profile of this dish?
The dish is tangy, salty, and savory with a smoky undertone from the bacon drippings.