Fried Green Tomatoes

🛒 Ingredients

• 4 large green (unripe) tomatoes
• 1 cup cornmeal
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for flavor)
• 1 egg
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

🔪 Instructions

1. Slice the tomatoes
   Cut the green tomatoes into about ¼-inch thick slices. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Prepare dredging stations
   • Bowl 1: Flour + salt + pepper
   • Bowl 2: Whisked egg + buttermilk
   • Bowl 3: Cornmeal + paprika
3. Coat the slices
   • Dip each slice into the flour
   • Then into the egg mixture
   • Finally coat with cornmeal
     Press lightly so the coating sticks well.
4. Heat the oil
   Pour about ½ inch of oil into a skillet and heat over medium heat until hot (around 175–180°C / 350°F).
5. Fry
   Place tomato slices in the oil without overcrowding. Fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
6. Drain & serve
   Remove and place on paper towels. Serve hot.

🍽️ Serving Ideas

• Serve with a dipping sauce like remoulade, ranch, or spicy mayo
• Pair with grilled meats or as a side dish
• Add to sandwiches or burgers for a tangy crunch

💡 Tips

• Use firm, fully green tomatoes—ripe ones will get mushy
• Don’t skip drying the slices; it helps the coating stick
• For extra crunch, double-coat (repeat egg + cornmeal step)