Some foods are more than nourishment.
Some can make you think of a place, take you back to your childhood, or bring up a special memory.
When you hear Fried Green Tomatoes, you think South.
Some can make you think of a place, take you back to your childhood, or bring up a special memory.
When you hear Fried Green Tomatoes, you think South.
They have always been cooked here, perhaps because they were always abundant in the spring and summer time. The great southern lady, actress, and writer Fannie Flagg popularized them worldwide with her book Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, which was made into an award-winning movie.
One can't cook and eat fried green tomatoes without thinking about the movie.
We didn't have them a lot at my house when I was growing up. My mom mixed them with crookneck squash and fried them together. After the tomatoes ripened, we had them sliced at every meal (yes, including breakfast).
Would you like to cook some of your own? Here's what I do.
Collect some green tomatoes when they are about the size of a tennis ball.
In a shallow container, mix 1/2 cup self-rising flour
and 1/2 cup self-rising cornmeal mix
and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning mix. You can just add salt and/or pepper if you don't like them a little spicy like I do.
Mix all together well.
Slice green tomatoes into approximately 1/2" slices.
This is just about perfect.
Dip in dry mixture, turning to coat everywhere.
Crisco oil should be heated to about 350 degrees. If you don't have a thermometer, put a little piece of bread in the oil. If it floats immediately, the oil is hot enough. If it immediately blackens to a crisp, the oil is too hot!
Carefully put slices in the hot oil and cook from three to five minutes. Take out and drain.
I use a sheet pan for draining. First, since I strive to be environmentally aware, I put some newspaper in the pan.
I cover the newspaper with paper towels, so the food never touches the newsprint. It's a good way to recycle newspaper and save paper towels.
Straight out of the oil!!
Cover the slices with a paper towel on top to soak up more oil.
Serve and enjoy!
Many restaurants have them as an appetizer now, or as a choice of vegetable. Last week, I had country ham with fried green tomatoes served together. It's up to you.
For lunch today, I had these fried green tomatoes and boiled okra. YUMMY!!
Check out the farmers market for some fresh green tomatoes.
Your family will love you!
Those look wonderful! Chad likes them dipped in ranch dressing - have to admit, it's pretty good!
ReplyDeleteCook some for me! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have that same dish that you used for your flour/meal. :-)
I live in SC and have tried fried green tomatoes but none of my family care for them, I love the good old ripe one with juice everywhere between two slices of white bread and Duke's mayo on both sides, not that is good eating. Just let the juice run down your chin it will wash off.
ReplyDeletemamat2730(at)charter(dot)net
Kim, I like to dip them too. Trying to add extra calories, I guess! : )
ReplyDeleteAmy, apparently you have excellent taste!
Edna, now you have made me hungry! I usually eat wheat bread, but I buy white for tomato sandwiches. We don't have Duke's mayo here, but Kraft does just fine! Thanks.