Fried Green Tomatoes

This recipe should not be confused with the Fried Green Tomatoes movie released several year ago; actually it is a Southern recipe that was created at the end of the growing season when a lot of tomatoes were still not ripened. I start looking for a way to use my green tomatoes left in my garden and stumbled into some fried green tomatoes recipes . At first, I hesitated about making this dish, but after preparing it a few times, I am now anxious to make this dish again at the end of every tomato growing season. This recipe is always a big surprise to my friends and family and generates many compliments. Nothing is better than enjoying fried green tomatoes on a cool late summer night with loved ones.
Ingredients:
3 large green tomatoes
1 cup flour
1/3 cup corn meal
1/3 cup bread crumbs
1 egg
1/2 cup buttermilk*
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp lemon zest
1/4 tsp each; garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, dried rosemary and oregano
1/2 cup oil
Traditional French dipping sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup non-fat yogurt
1 tsp mustard
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp horseradish
1 tsp lime juice
1 tsp sweet pickle
1 tsp ketchup
1 tsp salt
1 tsp minced garlic
Directions:
Cut tomatoes into 1/2 inch thick slices. Sprinkle with salt and let stand for 10 minutes. Pat dry. Whisk egg and buttermilk in a bowl.

Mix flour, salt, paprika,garlic powder, cayenne, lemon zest , dried rosemary ,oregano and black pepper on a plate.

Mix cornmeal and breadcrumbs together onto another plate.

Dredge each tomato slice through flour. Dip into egg-buttermilk mixture. Then coat each slice completely with the cornmeal-breadcrumbs mixture. Continue until all tomatoes slices are coated.

In a large skillet over medium heat, add oil. Start frying tomato slices until golden brown and crisp.

Remove and place onto paper towels to absorb some of the oil. Serve with French sauce.



*To make 1/2 cup of buttermilk add 2 tsp lemon juice into the milk and let it stand for 10 minutes.