How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes

Recipe for The Perfect Tomato Side Dish

Nov 21, 2008
Renee Blixt

Sliced Green Tomatoes Ready to Fry - bill thomas

Fall is here and there are still green tomatoes on the vine. Wondering what to do with them? Fry them and add a splash of southern cooking to the dinner table.

Veggie History states the tomato, first domesticated in Mexico and supposedly taken from Montezuma’s garden by Cortez, was introduced to Europe sometime in the mid-16th century. The tomato is one of the most nutritional foods around, and its versatility is almost unmatched.

Tomatoes are true North American fruits / vegetables (depending on the going definition.) Their nutritional value and great taste will make guests request them over and over, especially in fried green form.

Fried Green Tomato Nutritional Information

According to Nutrition Data's website, one Fried Green Tomato provides 38 grams of protein, and supplies the daily requirements of the following: 35% Iron, 15% Calcium, 72% Vitamin A, 14% Vitamin E, 28% Thiamin, 43% Magnesium, 33% Copper, 18% Zinc, 43% Phosphorus, 76% Riboflavin, 80% Vitamin C and 72% Manganese. A Fried Green Tomato also contains 13.8 grams of fiber; that’s 55% of the recommended daily amount for an adult.

Fried Green Tomato Celebrations

Many people celebrate the taste and culture of Fried Green Tomatoes. Beech Island, South Carolina’s Iron Horse Bar & Grill holds the “Official Fried Green Tomato Festival” in August, where people can hang out, use the free Wi-Fi, and eat lots of Fried Green Tomatoes.

For those looking for a more literary venue, visit Juliette, Georgia, the home of the Whistle Stop Café, featured in the movie Fried Green Tomatoes. The movie is based on Fannie Flagg’s novel, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café.

Fried Green Tomato "End of Summer" Recipe

Cook up this recipe of “Fried Green Tomatoes” to find out just how great they taste.

Ingredients

1 large or medium green tomato, sliced 1/4-inch thick
1 cup corn oil
1 cup of Egg (or other substitute)
1 cup Corn Flour or Bread Crumbs
1 tablespoon Sea Salt
1 tablespoon Penzey's Adobo Seasoning (or spices of your choice)
Sweet Curry (optional)

Directions

Pour oil into a large heavy pan (preferably an iron skillet) and heat oil to 350 degrees F.
Pour egg into one bowl and place flour into another.
Dip the sliced green tomatoes into the egg substitute and then into the flour to lightly coat.
To test if the oil is hot enough, add a pinch of the flour to the oil; if it bubbles to the top, then it’s ready to fry.
Carefully add tomatoes to the hot oil and cook on one side for 1 minute.
Flip the tomatoes to cook on the reverse side for 1 minute.
Remove tomatoes from the oil and drain on paper towels. Enjoy.