Fried Green Tomatoes. Never seen the movie, and not too interested in seeing the movie. I am assuming it is not about delicious tomatoes. Fried Green Tomatoes the dish? Now this is something I am very interested in. As you may recall, I was recently introduced to the wonders of southern cooking. What I may have left out during some of those stories was how I would have deep fried side dishes along with my deep fried main courses... and then eat the deep fried remnants off of Lauren's plates (Have I mentioned I can't zip up my pants anymore?). So while I do not suggest you or I ever eat this way again, a trip to the Brickworks Farmers' Market inspired me to try my hand at some more southern comfort food. Every Saturday and Sunday the Brickworks (at Bayview and Bloor) offers an incredible Farmers' Market, complete with crafts for kids, fresh produce, fresh baked goods, and food trucks. Plus, much to my delight, Ontario farmers' markets are allowed to sell alcohol and provide wine tastings! Needless to say, I recommend you go. Or ask me to go with you! There is a gorgeous trail from my backyard to the Brickworks; everyone who has joined me on this walk has agreed that it is as though we have left Toronto for the country. |
But I digress. This past weekend, after having my share of wine, cheese, chocolate, and pickles, I came across a gorgeous vegetable stand overflowing with green tomatoes. I can honestly say that I have never seen these in Toronto before, and my excitement showed. My sister Lauren has a theory that people do things for her because she looks innocent and confused. I have a similar theory - people will give me things if I seem like a child experiencing her first Christmas. The farmer and I discussed yummy Creole seasonings, and as we did so he kept adding free tomatoes to my shopping bag. Hurray for excitable innocence! |
Ingredients: - Green Tomatoes, sliced 1/2 inch thick - Flour - Cajun Seasoning (if you do not have, that is fine. Just use a blend of your favourite spices) - Garlic Powder - 2 Eggs - Splash of Milk (I really should start measuring things- sorry) - Panko Bread Crumbs - Enough vegetable oil to fill your pan 1/2 inch up the sides Begin by seasoning everything. Green Tomatoes are still rather sweet, and so sprinkling some salt and pepper on both sides of each slice helped to round out that flavour. As well, I used seasoned Panko Crumbs; if you do not, I would add some of the same seasoning you added to your flour. And of course, mix your Cajun Mix and Garlic Powder in with your flour. While heating your oil on medium-high heat, prepare your tomatoes. Coat each slice in the flour mixture, to help the egg coating stick (this is the method you should use for any breading of any vegetable or protein). Mix together your milk and eggs, and dip your floured tomato into this mixture, shaking off any excess. Really cover your tomato in the Panko crumbs, and carefully place each slice in the hot oil (** Remember, to test if the oil is warm enough, drop some water into it; if it begins sputtering immediately, you know it is hot enough and will not produce soggy tomatoes) After about 2 minutes, carefully check the underside of your tomato slice; if it is golden brow, it is time to flip and allow to fry for another 2(ish) minutes. When done, place your tomatoes on a piece of paper towel to sop up some of that grease. These can be served in a sandwich (dare I say, Po Boy?), as a stacked caprese salad, or even as a play on eggplant parmesan! But I like to eat them straight up, with a side of Cajun Aioli (I say "aioli" so you don't realize I just put cajun seasoning in mayo.) |