Nothing could be finer than a fried green tomato in the summertime. I have picked a few red tomatoes now, but because we are having a very dry summer they have been slow to ripen. That bothers me in the least. There is something about a fried green tomato that evokes the sultry southern days when cooks did what they could with what was available in the garden. Cornmeal and flour were always in the larder and could turn those hard bitter tomatoes into something to be relished. I declare, even spam could be turned into a thing of beauty if you breaded it and fried it. My Mother used to do that and we cheered when she served it. But since this is Two for Tuesdays where we talk about "Real" food, pretend I didn't mention the Spam. A fried green tomato is real food that is fresh from the garden.
It is made even more authentic if you fry it in a cast iron skillet. There is really no hard and fast recipe for this. You can use what you have on hand. The general idea is to dip your tomato slices in flour, then in an egg mixture which can include milk or buttermilk if you have it and then in cornmeal or a mixture of cornmeal and breadcrumbs. Here is my general recipe.
FRIED GREEN TOMATOES
2 to 3 green tomatoes, sliced about 1/4 inch thick
1 cup of flour
1 to 2 eggs
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
Salt and pepper to taste
Oil for frying
Dip the sliced tomatoes in flour, then in the egg mixture and then in the cornmeal. Place on a sheet pan. When all of the slices are coated, heat enough oil in a cast iron skillet to come up to about 1/2 inch. When oil is hot add about 5 or 6 slices to the pan. Do not crowd them. Cook on one side until they are brown and then flip and brown the second side. Drain on paper towel and add more slices to the oil. Add more oil if necessary. The fried green tomatoes can be kept warm in a 250 degree oven until ready to serve.
We are serving up lots of good food this week on Two for Tuesdays (242). Go to this link on Girlichef to see what everyone is doing.
LOL! Spam is something that sneaks its way into REAL food posts all the time...I wonder why? Even mine! Your fried green tomatoes sound delicious. Thanks for sharing with Two for Tuesdays Penny =)
ReplyDeleteOh YUMMY!! I have been patiently waiting for my green tomatoes to turn red. I have one almost there. I might have to try this Fried Green Tomato recipe.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Penny
You're the second dearie who has shown a plate of these beauties this week, and I may have to break what we call "Papa's Rule"---you don't fry any green ones til you've had a "bait of sliced, twice,"---"twice" pronounced with a T on the end, in the old country way.
ReplyDeleteAnd the Spam---anything that Mamas did to use up, make do, or just plain feed their families on short notice---they make some of the best memories. Breaded and fried---what's not to love?
I love,love,love fried green tomatoes! Yours look delicious.
ReplyDeleteI have never eaten fried green tomatoes. Did not grow up in the south and that might make all the difference. They do look good. Reminds me of the way I used to cook eggplant.
ReplyDeleteI've always wanted to try fried green tomatoes but never even heard of them until years after we quit growing tomatoes as a crop on our farm. Sad! I have no source for green tomatoes now. Sadder! But I'm wondering if they are anything like fried eggplant.. my A #1 favorite fried veggie?
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Karen
Ladybug Creek
Never ever had these... But my mother is coming to visit, and I recall her ordering these on a southern vacation, talking about her mother... May be on my menu this week.
ReplyDeleteAnd is your David going to be guest blogging this week??? Sounds like a feats you had yesterday.
I am sure it was a feat, but I meant feast
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a great classic!! Yum!
ReplyDeleteoh how perfect fried green tomatoes, love the texture...how funny I just posted fried pickles..hah ha
ReplyDeletesweetlife
I love Fried Green Tomatoes!! It is one of my favorite Summertime treats.
ReplyDeleteI love fried green tomatoes with some melted brie on top as an appetizer...copying a fellow at the farmers market.
ReplyDeleteShoot, my green tomatoes are about the size of marbles at the moment. It's tough living at a high altitude, and watching everyone else progress through the seasons ahead of you. But when my time comes, you can bet I'll be frying up some green tomatoes, and probably pickle some, too.
ReplyDeleteI have never had fried green tomatoes - but I am sure I would love them! Can't wait to try some.
ReplyDeleteHi! Popping over to visit from Dave's blog mention. I'm certainly a lover of these beauties. They look marvelous and makes me hungry for them!! My tomatoes have had a lot of blossom drop this year since summer came super early in the deep south. Then the rains. Oh the rains. I've gotten a couple dozen or so I guess, a little at a time, so I'm not complaining! Nice blog - glad I popped over.
ReplyDeleteI love fried green maters and this makes me want to head for the garden to pick a couple - soon for sure.
ReplyDeleteI've never had these but they look amazing and would love to try them!! I have to get my friend to make them for me, I don't fry things here too much! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy tomatoes are the size of a quarter. I might have ALOT of green ones at the end of the season if our weather doesn't warm up a bit. Nice to have a recipe for them. They look delicious.
ReplyDeleteMy mom loves fried green tomatoes - I'll have to remember this when she comes over next time!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love cast iron skillets - I think I have at least 5 of all different sizes!
I'm old enough that I even served Spam when I was a newly married, Penny. Skewered with cheese and pickles as an appetizer. (Don't tell)
ReplyDeleteAnyway....I've read the book and KNOW this is a true southern dish, but would you believe I've never made it? Your photo is making my mouth water. Guess I better try it!
oh my gosh, another fried green tomato phenomenal recipe to add to my recipe box.....i love learning more and more about fabulous Southern cooking. Please stop by and read how I made my fried green tomatoes into something a bit Italian......and it truthfully is delicious, I couldn't lie to you!
ReplyDeleteI promise to save your recipe!!!!!!!!
Mwah, Roz (aka bella)
I have lots and lots of green tomatoes on the vine (no red) I may have to 'sacrifice' one for this.... And don't tell anyone... I loved Spam and Miracle Whip sandwiches as a child..... Don't know if I would anymore but... the memory is still delicious
ReplyDeleteI really have to make these; every year I am tempted. Now I have your tried and true recipe.
ReplyDeleteRita
These look wonderful! There is a small, local restaurant that serves fried green tomatoes topped with homemade pimento cheese...... just plain ole delicious :)
ReplyDelete