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Fried Green Tomatoes

Sliced, dipped, dredged and fried tomatoes equal a plateful of delights as the showcase of veggie night. It’s an annual treat. I make fried green tomatoes maybe twice a summer. Veggie plate night, of course being a frugal way to feed our hodgepodge. And fried green tomatoes, of course being a way to liven things up a bit.

I explained to the children that fried green tomatoes are served as high dollar appetizers in fine restaurants. So I’ve heard. The taste being similar to fried zucchini but a little more on the tart side.

This is the same process I use for fried okra. Though standing and frying okra is a true act of love!

(pictured above with a little bit of fried okra thrown in for good measure)

Fried Green Tomatoes

Yield – 8 servings

Preparation Time – 10 minutes

Cooking Time – 10-15 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2-3 green tomatoes (unripened)
  • buttermilk, enough for dipping (don’t have buttermilk, make substitute)
  • cornmeal, enough for coating, maybe 1/2 cup
  • enough oil to cover the bottom of your iron skillet

Directions

  • Slice your tomatoes. Not too thin and not too thick.
  • Fix a cereal bowl full of buttermilk and one full of cornmeal. No certain amounts.
  • Pour your oil in your skillet and heat up on medium high.
  • Dip individual tomato slices first in buttermilk.
  • Next, dredge in cornmeal. (Turn over and coat both sides.)
  • Drop carefully into the hot oil. Fry less than five minutes on each side.
  • When nice and brown, remove to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. You might want to blot the oil with another paper towel a bit as well.
  • Season to taste with salt and pepper if you like. We didn’t and they were mighty tasty.

Cost $ Pennies

Serve with cornbread, macaroni and cheese and your other favorite vegetables. We enjoy a veggie plate at least once a week – especially when vegetables are fresh and plentiful. Tasty and frugal! Sweet tea or iced coffee are a bonus for adults. You might also like Erin’s Grilled Green Tomatoes. Get every bite of summer you can!

How about you. How often do you enjoy a veggie plate?