Fancy Fried Green Tomatoes
Fancy Fried Green Tomatoes are a delightful Southern-inspired dish featuring crispy, golden-brown slices of tart green tomatoes, perfectly complemented by a creamy dill dipping sauce. Ideal for gatherings or as a unique appetizer, these tomatoes offer a satisfying crunch and a burst of flavor that will impress your guests.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine sour cream, dill weed, and green onion in a small bowl, stirring well.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Cut tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices and place in a large bowl.
- Fill the bowl with ice water and let the tomatoes stand for 30 minutes.
- Combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
- Drain the tomatoes and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Dip the tomato slices in the beaten eggs and dredge them in the flour mixture.
- Cook the tomatoes in a single layer in 1/2-inch of hot vegetable oil over high heat until lightly browned, turning once.
- Drain on paper towels and serve with the dipping sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crispier texture, consider using a mixture of breadcrumbs with the cornmeal instead of just cornmeal alone. You can also substitute the green tomatoes with zucchini for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a spicier kick, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to prevent the tomatoes from becoming greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the fried green tomatoes hot with the chilled sour cream dipping sauce for a delightful contrast. They make an excellent appetizer or side dish and pair beautifully with Old-Fashioned Sweet-Sour Cole Slaw for a complete meal. You can also serve them alongside grilled meats or as a topping for salads.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried green tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes until they regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Fancy Fried Green Tomatoes contains roughly 637 calories, with 7g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (78% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1119mg per serving (49% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the dipping sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the dipping sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together better, enhancing the overall taste when served with the fried green tomatoes.
What type of oil is best for frying?
Vegetable oil is a great choice for frying due to its high smoke point. However, you can also use canola oil or peanut oil for a slightly different flavor. Just make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the tomatoes to achieve that perfect crispiness.
Can I freeze leftover fried green tomatoes?
Freezing fried green tomatoes is not recommended as they may lose their texture upon thawing. However, if you must, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to an airtight container. When ready to eat, reheat from frozen in the oven for best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).