Mawmaw’s Simple Fried Green Tomatoes: A Taste of Southern Comfort
Fried Green Tomatoes. The very name conjures images of sun-drenched porches, lazy afternoons, and the comforting aroma of Southern cooking. It’s a dish that speaks of simplicity, resourcefulness, and the deep-rooted traditions of family meals. And nobody made them better than Mawmaw. This recipe, passed down through generations, is a tribute to her culinary magic – a simple, yet utterly delicious way to transform tart, unripe tomatoes into a crispy, tangy, and unforgettable treat.
Forget fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Mawmaw’s fried green tomatoes are all about letting the natural flavors shine through. This recipe focuses on fresh ingredients, proper preparation, and a whole lot of love. So, gather your green tomatoes, dust off your skillet, and prepare to experience a taste of Southern comfort that will transport you straight to Mawmaw’s kitchen.
## The Story Behind the Tomatoes
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the star of the show: green tomatoes. These aren’t just any tomatoes; they’re the unripe, firm, and vibrantly green fruits that haven’t yet had the chance to blush red under the summer sun. While some might consider them a culinary mistake, resourceful cooks throughout history have discovered their unique flavor and texture, transforming them into a variety of delicious dishes, from pickles and chutneys to, of course, fried green tomatoes.
Mawmaw always said that the best green tomatoes were the ones that were just starting to show a hint of blush. These have a slightly milder flavor than the completely green ones, offering a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness. However, don’t worry if you can only find completely green tomatoes; they’ll still be delicious!
## What Makes Mawmaw’s Fried Green Tomatoes Special?
So, what sets Mawmaw’s fried green tomatoes apart from the rest? It’s not about a secret ingredient or a fancy technique. It’s about the following key elements:
* **Simplicity:** Mawmaw believed that the best food was often the simplest. This recipe uses minimal ingredients, allowing the natural flavors of the tomatoes to shine.
* **Proper Preparation:** The key to crispy fried green tomatoes is to properly prepare the tomatoes. This includes slicing them evenly, salting them to draw out excess moisture, and using the right breading.
* **The Right Breading:** Mawmaw’s breading is a simple combination of flour, cornmeal, and seasonings. This creates a crispy, flavorful coating that perfectly complements the tartness of the tomatoes.
* **The Right Oil:** Using the right oil is crucial for achieving golden-brown perfection. Mawmaw always used vegetable oil, but peanut oil or canola oil also work well.
* **Patience:** Don’t rush the frying process. Allow the tomatoes to cook slowly and evenly, until they are golden brown and crispy on both sides.
* **Love:** Of course, the most important ingredient in any Mawmaw’s recipe is love. She always put her heart and soul into her cooking, and you can taste it in every bite.
## Mawmaw’s Simple Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Now, let’s get to the good part – the recipe! This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal ingredients. So, gather your supplies and get ready to experience a taste of Southern comfort.
**Yields:** 4-6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 15 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 4-5 medium-sized green tomatoes, firm and unblemished
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 cup yellow cornmeal
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a touch of color)
* 1 large egg, lightly beaten
* 1/4 cup milk
* Vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil for frying
**Equipment:**
* Large skillet
* Shallow dishes or plates
* Paper towels
* Tongs
**Instructions:**
**1. Prepare the Tomatoes:**
* Wash the green tomatoes thoroughly and pat them dry with a clean towel.
* Using a sharp knife, slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. Try to slice them as evenly as possible to ensure even cooking.
* Place the tomato slices in a single layer on a baking sheet or large plate. Sprinkle them generously with salt. This will help to draw out excess moisture and prevent them from becoming soggy during frying.
* Let the tomatoes sit for at least 15-20 minutes. You’ll notice beads of moisture forming on the surface. Gently pat them dry with paper towels.
**2. Prepare the Breading:**
* In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). Mix well to ensure that the seasonings are evenly distributed.
* In another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk.
**3. Bread the Tomatoes:**
* Take a tomato slice and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely on both sides. Shake off any excess flour.
* Dip the floured tomato slice into the egg mixture, ensuring that it is fully submerged.
* Return the tomato slice to the flour mixture and coat it again, pressing gently to help the breading adhere.
* Place the breaded tomato slice on a clean plate or baking sheet.
* Repeat the breading process with the remaining tomato slices.
**4. Fry the Tomatoes:**
* Pour about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breading into it. If it sizzles and turns golden brown in about 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
* Carefully place the breaded tomato slices into the hot oil in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes.
* Fry the tomatoes for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to carefully flip them over.
* Remove the fried tomatoes from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
**5. Serve and Enjoy:**
* Serve the fried green tomatoes immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They are delicious on their own, but they can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, or a simple aioli.
## Tips for Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes
Here are a few additional tips to help you achieve fried green tomato perfection:
* **Choose the right tomatoes:** Look for firm, unblemished green tomatoes that are not too ripe. The firmer the tomatoes, the better they will hold their shape during frying.
* **Don’t skip the salting step:** Salting the tomatoes helps to draw out excess moisture, which is essential for achieving crispy fried tomatoes.
* **Use the right oil:** Vegetable oil, peanut oil, and canola oil are all good choices for frying green tomatoes. Avoid using olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and can burn easily.
* **Maintain the oil temperature:** Keep the oil at a consistent temperature to ensure that the tomatoes cook evenly and don’t become soggy. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature if you have one.
* **Don’t overcrowd the skillet:** Fry the tomatoes in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy tomatoes.
* **Serve immediately:** Fried green tomatoes are best served immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
## Variations and Serving Suggestions
While Mawmaw’s simple fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, there are many ways to customize the recipe to your liking. Here are a few ideas:
* **Add cheese:** Sprinkle the fried green tomatoes with grated Parmesan cheese or crumbled feta cheese before serving.
* **Make a sandwich:** Use the fried green tomatoes as a filling for a delicious sandwich. Add bacon, lettuce, and tomato for a classic BLT with a Southern twist.
* **Serve as a side dish:** Fried green tomatoes make a great side dish for grilled meats, fish, or chicken.
* **Make a salad:** Top a bed of mixed greens with fried green tomatoes, crumbled bacon, and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Spicy Fried Green Tomatoes:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Herbed Fried Green Tomatoes:** Mix dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the flour mixture for added flavor.
* **Cornmeal Only:** For an even crunchier coating, use only cornmeal instead of a flour and cornmeal mixture.
## Dipping Sauces for Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are delicious on their own, but they are even better with a dipping sauce. Here are a few of my favorite dipping sauces:
* **Ranch Dressing:** A classic choice for a reason. The creamy, tangy flavor of ranch dressing perfectly complements the tartness of the tomatoes.
* **Remoulade Sauce:** A creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that is popular in Louisiana. It is made with mayonnaise, mustard, horseradish, and a variety of spices.
* **Aioli:** A garlic-flavored mayonnaise that is popular in the Mediterranean. It is simple to make and adds a delicious garlicky flavor to the tomatoes.
* **Spicy Mayo:** Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Honey Mustard:** A sweet and tangy sauce that is a great alternative to ranch dressing.
## Mawmaw’s Legacy
Mawmaw’s simple fried green tomatoes are more than just a recipe; they are a symbol of family, tradition, and Southern hospitality. They are a reminder of simpler times, when food was made with love and shared with those we care about. So, the next time you have a surplus of green tomatoes, remember Mawmaw’s recipe and share the joy of fried green tomatoes with your loved ones. It’s a taste of Southern comfort that will warm your heart and soul.
Enjoy!