Introduction: Fried Green Tomatoes Sunshiine Style
Our tomato garden this year was a miserable disappointment due to the extremely hot weather. My plants had plenty of blossoms but produced only a handful of tomatoes all summer long. The weather cooled off and all the sudden our tomato plants were flourishing with tiny green fruit. A couple of days ago I picked the last of our crop luckily because we had our first hard freeze last night. I decided to make fried green tomatoes and share them on Instructables! Fried green tomatoes are a delightful dish served from early summer to late fall in the south. I have never met anyone who did not like them. They have a great flavor but very different than that of a regular ripe tomato. I wish I could have them all year round.
Step 1: Ingredients
- 1 cup stone-ground cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Pinch cayenne (I used paprika because I did not have cayenne)
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk (I used a substitute because I did not have Butter milk) listed below
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 4 large unripe tomatoes, cut into 1/2-inch thick slices, ends removed
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (I omitted butter did not see where it was needed)
- Hot pepper sauce, for serving (I used creme cheese, parsley, and bacon)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
- I added chopped parsley to 1/2 of the flour
To make a buttermilk substitute measure 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 1 1/2 Tablespoons of white vinegar and mix. Wait 5 minutes and then use when needed.
Here is where I found a recipe that I wanted to try:
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/tyler-florence/fried-green-tomatoes-recipe/index.html .
Step 2: Utinsils
- Bowls, spoons, frying pan, cookie sheet, liquid measuring cups, dry measuring cups, measuring spoons, spatula or thongs, platter, and paper towels.
Step 3: Preparations
- Fry, crumble the bacon and put it into a small dish.
- Wash the tomatoes and parsley.
- Slice the tomatoes into 1/2 inch slices cutting off the ends.
- Chop the parsley.
- Set aside.
Step 4: Measure
- In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, and cayenne together.
- Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Assembly Line
- Place paper towels on cookie sheet to absorb the excess oil.
- Line up the bowls of tomatoes, buttermilk, and flour mixture.
- I added parsley to 1/2 of the flour mixture for a different flavor.
- Dip the tomatoes in the butter milk mixture.
- Dip them into the flour mixture.
- Place them on the cookie sheet.
Step 6: Fry
- Place a large cast iron skillet or frying pan over medium heat and coat with the oil. When the oil is hot, pan-fry the tomatoes (in batches if necessary) until golden brown and crispy on both sides, about 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Carefully remove the tomatoes and drain on paper towels.
Step 7: Garnish
- Serve with hot pepper sauce and lemon, or:
- Top with parsley, bacon and creme cheese.
Step 8: Experiment and Research
I did a little research on frying green tomatoes for the chemical reaction contest. I was raised in the south and southerners eat a lot of fried foods. When I got married and moved away, I learned how to cook without frying so much. My research showed me that the decision to limit frying foods was beneficial to my families health. I was surprised to learn that in 2002 a University in Sweden discovered that cooking foods at a high heat such as frying, roasting or baking forms acrylamide, as the result of a reaction known as the Maillard reaction, which is a chemical reaction between an amino acid (the building block of protein) and a sugar such as glucose, fructose or lactose. The Maillard reaction can cause certain health risks. I found this information here:http:// http:// http://www.eufic.org/article/en/diet-related-diseases/cancer/artid/What-happens-when-we-cook-food-understanding-acrylamide-formation/ .
Another thing I learned is: studies have shown that cooked, or canned tomatoes contain lycopene, a substance that has been proven in studies to be effective in preventing certain types of cancers.
Step 9: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts
I don't feel guilty by eating fried green tomatoes. I believe if we eat unhealthy foods in moderation it won't kill us.
Here is an interesting link with more recipes and information about tomatoes: https://www.instructables.com/id/EPQ4E4DGUI104WB/ .
Thanks for visiting and have a wonderful brisk fall!
Sunshiine

Participated in the
Halloween Food Challenge
7 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Food is what I wanted to be looking at today, thanks.
L
10 years ago on Introduction
Nothing better than fried green tomatoes. Your recipe is different from other ones I've used and I can't wait to try it.
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Yes, it is different. Mom used to make these but I do not know how she made them. I just remember how good they were. Thanks for all your support! Have a sunshiiny day sister!
Sunshiine
10 years ago on Introduction
My grandmother would make cold Ham sandwiches with the leftovers ..... but a BLT, on rye....... oh My!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
That sounds good! BLT'S yeah! sweet! Thanks for commenting! Enjoy your weekend.
Sunshiine
10 years ago on Introduction
Looks tasty! And those little tomatoes look so cute!
Reply 10 years ago on Introduction
Blush thanks! They were soooo good! Passed hubby's approval. I love BLT's and that is why I added the bacon. Thanks for commenting! Have a splendorous day!
Sunshiine