We often see green tomatoes as inedible because they are not ripe enough. This applies to tomatoes that have just sprouted on the vines. Green tomatoes are best eaten when it have a faint tinges of red blush. It means that it is “ripe”, these interesting tomatoes barely turn red, and they just “blush” a bit. They have a firm texture, a tad of acidity and light tomato flavor.

Serves 4

Ingredients:

4 large green tomatoes

2 eggs

1/2 cup milk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup bread crumbs

2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 quart vegetable oil for frying

 

Wash the tomatoes and then dry them with a towel or using paper towels. After, cut off the ends and discard them. Slice the tomatoes into half inch thick rings.

Place the eggs and the milk in a medium sized bowl. Whisk until well combined. Put the flour on a plate and then combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper in another plate.

Dredge the sliced tomatoes in flour. Dip it into the egg and milk mixture and then coat with breadcrumbs. Shake off the excess.

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the tomatoes in batches, depending on the size, so that they do not crowd the pan. The tomatoes should not touch each other. Fry them 3-5 minutes or until they are golden brown. Flip them over at least once.

Transfer the fried green tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Arrange them on a platter and then serve immediately.

 

Image from Vagabond Shutterbug