Fried Green Tomatoes
August 15th, 2009
Stumble it!
I think we’re being taken over by fried green tomatoes. I’ve never had fried green tomatoes before. I went to the farmers market, and there was a lovely and beautiful looking pile of green tomatoes. I had to buy them. HAD TO.
So I get home and I ask my twitter pals if they’re interested in a FGT post. A lot of people responded they were, and then I was led to Susan’s latest post of baked green tomatoes. Then I found out my landlord made some for dinner that same night. At least two more people said they’ve been thinking of making them. Clearly this is a conspiracy.
A tasty conspiracy.
As I said earlier, I’ve never had fried green tomatoes. I love tomatoes, but only when cooked. The idea of eating under ripe tomatoes on purpose freaked me out a little. But then I thought, hey, these are fried? What could possibly taste bad after frying?
When shopping for green tomatoes, it’s important to pick up under ripe, very firm, completely green tomatoes. They should be about the same size as a regular tomato. Smaller green tomatoes will taste bitter, and there are varieties of tomatoes (particularly heirloom varieties) that can be green and ripe at the same time, so make sure you don’t rely on color alone.
It’s a little disconcerting when you cut into a tomato and it sounds like a crisp apple, but that’s exactly what you want for this recipe.
After frying, they’re surprisingly tasty. They are sweet and tangy, still firm, and juicy–almost citrusy. The salty breading sets them off really nicely, and I topped them with a homemade balsamic glaze. They’re perfect for a light summer lunch or dinner when paired with some delicate baby greens, but they’re easy enough to make as a side dish.
Fried Green Tomatoes
Makes about 20 slices
4 Large, Under Ripe Green Tomatoes
Oil, for frying (peanut or canola)
Baby Greens, for serving
Cherry Tomatoes, for decoration
Balsamic Reduction (see recipe)
Breading Dry Mix
2 Cups Corn Flour/Meal
1/2 Cup All-Purpose Flour
1 Tbs plus 1 tsp Salt
1 Tbs Dried Italian Seasoning
1 tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
Breading Wet Mix
1 Tbs Ener-G Egg Replacer Powder
3 Tbs Boiling Water
1/2 Cup Non-Dairy Milk
Core the green tomatoes and slice in to 1/2″ slices. If desired, season each side lightly with salt and pepper.
Lay tomato slices on paper towels and pat dry.
Mix together the dry seasoning mix and set aside.
Combine the boiling water and egg replacer powder and whisk until thick and foamy. Add to a separate large bowl. Whisk in the non-dairy milk until thick and frothy. Set aside. You should now have two bowls, one with the dry breading mix and one with the wet.
Heat a large cast-iron skillet until hot but not smoking with 1/4 to 1/2″ of oil in the bottom.
Dredge the tomato slices, four at a time, in the wet batter mix. Then place them into the bowl with the dry batter mix, pressing to make sure it sticks. Fry four at a time for 3 minutes a side, or until golden. Drain on paper towels.
Stack the fried green tomatoes on baby greens with sliced cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with balsamic reduction. Serve warm, while breading is still crispy.
Entry Filed under: Uncategorized
81 Comments Add your own
1. Claire G | August 15th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
I’m filing this for next year! Texas’ tomato season ended a month ago, but we should have some beautiful green tomatoes by the end of April next year!
I’ve never made them, but your pictures make them look too tasty to pass up.
2. Rosey | August 15th, 2009 at 2:52 pm
I just had fgt the other day… My boyfriend insisted on monday that we go to this restaurant to have them…
Did not like. Those look a lot tastier, though.
3. Powered by Tofu | August 15th, 2009 at 2:58 pm
It’s still tomato season in Oregon, so I’ll have to give these a try! I added just a few green cherry tomatoes to a fresh tomato salad last week and it was great, but other than that I haven’t done much experimenting with green tomatoes.
4. DJ | August 15th, 2009 at 3:17 pm
My mouth is watering at the sight of these babies! Look so good, stacked like pancakes!
5. Andrea | August 15th, 2009 at 3:21 pm
I just learned how to make these with my grandma last week! So tasty.
6. Mary-Kate | August 15th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
These look fantastic! I agree that anything fried can’t taste bad! I’m going to give these a shot this weekend, hopefully they will look as good as yours!
7. zoe | August 15th, 2009 at 3:43 pm
I recently made fried green tomatoes for the first time as well. Yours turned out great!
8. Josiane | August 15th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
Sweet and tangy, almost citrusy? Your description makes it very clear: I need to try this!
Thank you for trying fried green tomatoes despite your initial skepticism, and for blogging your recipe even though Susan blogged hers yesterday.
9. meera | August 15th, 2009 at 4:04 pm
Hey there,
The reason fried green tomatoes are huge right now is probably because of the late blight that is affecting tomatoes worse than ever on the east coast. Tomatoes that are growing fine get infected wtih fungus and the whole plant goes down – so farmers are harvesting their unripe crop so as not to lose the whole thing.
I’ve loved your blog for a long time! Best to you.
10. Dana | August 15th, 2009 at 4:28 pm
I’m pretty sure you could make an old brown shoe look and taste delicious.
11. Fried Green Tomatoes &laq&hellip | August 15th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
[...] Green Tomatoes Strikingly [...]
12. Kelly | August 15th, 2009 at 4:29 pm
Gorgeous. I made a pan fried version from cooking light awhile ago and they were delicious.
13. SweetOnVeg.com » Bl&hellip | August 15th, 2009 at 4:41 pm
[...] vegan food bloggers think alike. FatFree Vegan Kitchen and Vegan YumYum have REALLY got me craving Fried Green Tomatoes. [...]
14. Joan Nova | August 15th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
I’ve never made it either — and probably only ate it once before in a restaurant — but this looks delicious and you’ve piqued my interest. If I come across a green tomato, I’m going to try it.
15. maserin | August 15th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
Hey Lolo, thanks for posting on this! I’ve been wondering if you were going to do a post on FGT after the way you helped me out making these for my Superbowl party this year…
Hooray, now I have a great excuse to try them again, this time the Lolo way! Glad to see you back…
Erin
16. Sheri | August 15th, 2009 at 6:25 pm
Unfortuantely, I have unable to find green tomatoes as I have had a taste for them for weeks. The only difference is that I use buttermilk for the wet ingredients, and you get a nice tangy flavor.
17. Mary | August 15th, 2009 at 9:04 pm
Wow, those sliced green tomatoes look delicious. I love sour! If I see green tomatoes at the market I’ll give your recipe (and SusanV’s) a try!
18. Natalie | August 15th, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Looks fantastic! I could eat one of those crispy fried green tomatoes right now. The tomatoes have such a lovely green color!
19. Veronica | August 15th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
I feel very, very tempted to try these! Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe is of my top favorite novels, so making the real deal seems apt.
20. Allie | August 15th, 2009 at 10:37 pm
These look good! I’ve seen green tomatoes at the farmer’s market and never knew why someone would buy them. To ripen on the counter? No! To make fgt! Genius!
21. chow vegan | August 15th, 2009 at 11:39 pm
Yum Yum! Anything fried is always tasty! Looks delicious!
22. Elina | August 16th, 2009 at 1:59 am
I’ve wanted to try these since I saw the movie Fried Green Tomatoes as a kid. Thanks for reminding me!
23. Apeksha | August 16th, 2009 at 2:58 am
wow! that looks good! never saw such deep green tomatoes before……need to try!
24. Smite Me! » Blog Ar&hellip | August 16th, 2009 at 3:01 am
[...] n VeganYumYum » Fried Green Tomatoes [...]
25. snooky doodle | August 16th, 2009 at 10:59 am
I ve never had green tomatoes. Sound interesting and they look yummy :)
26. Julio | August 16th, 2009 at 6:56 pm
Can you use tomatillos? Which are Mexican tomatoes that are green and never change color (though all tomatoes ARE Mexican). Or do they they have to be under-ripe red tomatoes?
27. fresh365 | August 17th, 2009 at 8:33 am
These look fabulous! After seeing your post and Susan’s, I must make them soon!
28. Lee Ann | August 17th, 2009 at 10:12 am
I just got your book and it’s beautiful.
Now I have to decide what to make.
There is so much to choose from so it’s a difficult decision.
Congratulations.
29. Eco Mama | August 17th, 2009 at 11:47 am
You’ve just inspired me to go and pick some of the green tomatoes in my garden. Beautiful!
30. rhodeygirl | August 17th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
Your blog is new to me, and all I can say is: WOW.
I really look forward to following you! These fried green tomatoes look delicious- I especially enjoy the presentation! I bet they would taste even more amazing if paired with spicy arugula. yum.
31. fried green tomatoes &laq&hellip | August 17th, 2009 at 3:08 pm
[...] http://veganyumyum.com/2009/08/fried-green-tomatoes/ [...]
32. Elle | August 17th, 2009 at 3:28 pm
How gorgeous! I’ve always wanted to try these, and in fact, my husband and I were just talking about them. I really have no excuse now–it looks so easy!
33. Lainie | August 17th, 2009 at 5:28 pm
This looks SO GOOD – and your pictures are absolutely stunning. I have just recently discovered I like tomatoes, so this is going on my “to-make” list!!! thank you for sharing!
34. Celina | August 17th, 2009 at 5:46 pm
I’m SO hungry now! These look and sound delish, but alas…don’t think I’ll be able to find green tomatoes in Hawaii…
Will have to save this recipe for when I visit the mainland…
35. Recipe To The Rescue: Fri&hellip | August 18th, 2009 at 10:34 am
[...] our favorite food blogs, VeganYumYum.com, recently posted a recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes that we just had to share with [...]
36. tony | August 18th, 2009 at 1:35 pm
hi,
it’s so good!! I put french extra virgin olive oil and the taste was amazing!! I found the cheapest one on straightfromfrance.com
All the products are French, it sounds good, right?
37. Bake in Paris | August 19th, 2009 at 2:35 am
Lolo, I have a little something for you over at my blog:
http://bakeinparis.blogspot.com/2009/08/merci-jill.html
Regards
Kris
38. Livin’ Veg » &hellip | August 19th, 2009 at 6:42 am
[...] Click over here to read the full recipe. Me wants now. [...]
39. Betty | August 20th, 2009 at 2:11 pm
Beautiful site!Love the pictures and great information-Thanks,Betty http://www.geothermalquestions.net
40. Bethany | August 20th, 2009 at 4:17 pm
This doesn’t have to do with you post, but I saw your article in Vegetarian Times about the vegan doughnuts! Awesome, awesome! I am finally going to get that pan and start baking!
Congrats!
41. Debra | August 21st, 2009 at 10:24 pm
These look great. Remind me of one of my favorite movies Fried Green Tomatoes. I am so Kathy Bates character. WHat does she say “face it girls, I am older and have more insurance!” yep.
42. lorrwill | August 22nd, 2009 at 10:28 pm
The pictures are truly drool worthy.
There aren’t words for how jealous I am that you can buy green tomatoes at your market. I grew up on fried green tomatoes but now that I’m grown I have had no luck in keeping a steady seasonal supply. I have nowhere to grow my own and the folks that do won’t share for fear of food poisoning or something. gah!
43. She-Fit | August 22nd, 2009 at 11:49 pm
YUM! This looks great
44. eastvillagevegan | August 24th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
I’ll definitely try this recipe. You just make it look soooo good!
45. Rob | August 24th, 2009 at 7:19 pm
I’m fairly simple. I just use flour with pepper and garlic. Slice into 1/8 inch slices and fry until golden brown. Eat em like chips. Love em. No need to core them or make special batters. I don’t believe in taking more time to prepare foods than they are gonna last on a plate. Heirllom tomatoes will work, but take longer to fry because they hold in much more juice.
46. Sally Jamison | August 24th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
Your recipe looks positively delicious! I make a pickled green tomatoe that is yummy. I was wondering if you could head me in the right direction. I live in Orange County, California and cannot find green tomatoes to buy anywhere! You wouldn’t know of an online site or have any idea where I could find some?
47. molly | August 25th, 2009 at 6:16 am
i just bought your new cookbook yesterday :)
I was hoping it would still include the jalapeno poppers recipe, since it doesn’t is there any chance you’d post the recipe??? Please, pretty please :)
48. Laura | August 25th, 2009 at 10:55 am
Lolo, I received a little award that I am passing onto you, so check my site.
Laura
49. Bellana | August 25th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
They look awesome, and I’m always looking for a good recipe. I came across this one as well give it a try. http://healthyveganchef.blogspot.com/
50. Giorgia | August 27th, 2009 at 4:31 am
just a few lines to say i’m so happy i’ve discovered this awesome blog! last night i was surfing through foodblogs searching for inspiration and then… here i am! pretty lucky!
the style, accuracy and creativity of yours immediately knodem me down.
i’ll be back here maaaaany times more :)
thanks!!!
giorgia
51. Peter | August 27th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Always wanted to try Fried Green Tomatoes. These look so good. What do you think about adding a little wasabi powder to the breading mix?
52. Val | August 27th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
I made this last night and it turned out pretty well! It was very citrusy. It almost tasted like apples. I’ve never had fried green tomatoes before, thanks!
53. Gina | August 27th, 2009 at 7:57 pm
How was I unaware that you had a book???? I just stumbled upon it at the bookstore so I had to buy it.
54. Cole | August 29th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Beautiful presentation! I have a plethora of green tomatoes in the garden at the moment and will be trying this recipe soon. Thanks for the inspiration!
55. allijag | August 29th, 2009 at 1:30 pm
i love green tomatoes!!!!! :)
56. Val | August 30th, 2009 at 8:44 pm
I didn’t know about the book either! I just ordered it from Amazon. Very exciting!
57. Fried Green Tomatoes at T&hellip | September 1st, 2009 at 9:21 am
[...] Then you throw them into the frying pan. So simple and so tasty. Vegan Yum Yum also posted a fried green tomatoes recipe, which I think looks a lot prettier and tastier than this one, but the Times recipe was good for [...]
58. Ksenia | September 1st, 2009 at 11:39 am
What a great idea! =D I hardly ever eat fried things, but I think I will try this. After all, it’s good to indulge yourself sometimes =P
59. Carrie | September 1st, 2009 at 1:43 pm
I’ve been drooling over these for about a week and finally got out to our garden (at my ILs since we don’t have a yard) to pick some of my green tomatoes. Fried them up last night and, sigh, yummmmmmm. They were the perfect addition to cornbread and chili (both vegan), thanks for the recipe!
60. Caroline | September 4th, 2009 at 11:08 am
I saw some green tomatoes in my garden today and decided to make your recipe for lunch. They didn’t look as pretty as yours but they were delicious! Thanks, I think I’ll make them again in the very near future.
61. {kiss my spatula} | September 4th, 2009 at 7:45 pm
‘fried green tomatoes’ is one of my all-time favorite movies! i MUST try these!!
62. Raymond Brigleb | September 5th, 2009 at 1:34 pm
Beautiful. I love your photography!
63. Singing Horse | September 5th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Hi Lauren! I have been following your blog for a long while now, and I have learned many things from reading your blog. As a token of appreciation, I have listed your blog as “One Lovely Blog”. When it is convenient, you can check it out here: http://singinghorse.vox.com. Thank you for everything!
64. Tender B. | September 7th, 2009 at 9:28 am
Wow these tomatoes look amazing. Thanks for the pics!
65. Kara | September 8th, 2009 at 6:13 pm
Ah…mazing!!! Everyone in my house loved them!
66. Kayleen | September 8th, 2009 at 10:24 pm
Hi Lolo :)
I saw your cookbook in the store the other day and bought it immediately. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time! It’s just as beautiful as I had anticipated.
I made the smokey miso tofu for dinner tonight and served it with the maple roasted root vegetables from Jae’s cookbook Get It Ripe. A delicious meal all around. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of delicious vegan cuisine with the world :)
67. Crystal | September 9th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
These were amazing. Thanks for yet another, awesome vegan recipe.
68. Vegan Recipe Roundup&hellip | September 18th, 2009 at 12:20 am
[...] feeling like pizza tonight? Then imagine this spread: Vegan YumYum’s Fried Green Tomatoes, Foodeater’s Baked Macaroni & Daiya Cheese and Vegan Dad’s Ultimate Vegan Hot [...]
69. Scott | September 21st, 2009 at 6:22 pm
Those look great. I like the idea of the balsamic reduction. When I’ve done it, I’ve added some sugar and paprika to the corn meal. Sometimes the tomatoes can be bitter, so the sugar helps with that, and then caramelizes when fried to make an extra crispy crust.
70. Sara | September 26th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
These look delicious. I love green fried tomatoes! I got cravings for some fried food, American-style when I lived in Italy, and I always saw the most gorgeous green tomatoes at the local market. I fried mine up in a mixture of flour, beer and salt (also what I use for onion rings) and they tasted out of this world. I’m sure with the extra seasonings, they’d be even more phenomenal.
71. Clotilde M | October 1st, 2009 at 7:29 pm
My aunt in Colorado had a large tomato crop this year and since it’s beginning to coll she didn’t know what to do with all the green tomatoes…enter green tomato recipes! Your look very nice.
72. Cam | October 8th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
OMG these were AMAZING! We gobbled them up as fast as we could fry them up. I can’t wait to try the balsamic reduction next time! Thanks, Lolo! Btw, I’m really enjoying your cook book!
73. Battening Down the Hatche&hellip | October 15th, 2009 at 7:52 pm
[...] or highwater, devil be damned, and any number of other sundry euphemisms. So the logical answer was Fried Green Tomatoes. We rarely deign to fry at home–not because frying isn’t delicious, but because it [...]
74. Fried Green Tomatoes &&hellip | October 17th, 2009 at 10:42 pm
[...] October 18, 2009 It is fall in Portland, which means one bad thing: my garden is dying! It is too cloudy to ripen the dozens of plump green tomatoes still left on the vine, so tonight I decided to make fried green tomatoes! I used a fabulous recipe from VeganYumYum.com. [...]
75. Sweetie-Pie-Bakery | October 26th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
totally insane. . .
76. , and a Fabulous Meal &la&hellip | October 28th, 2009 at 5:09 pm
[...] the resources to try. But it looks wonderful. Pumpkin Waffles. See above for my beliefs on pumpkin. Fried green tomatoes. OHMYGODOHMYGODCREPESOHMYGOD. There is nothing in the world like a crepe. Period. Finally: [...]
77. Riley | November 4th, 2009 at 6:34 pm
Just made these a few minutes ago. It was my first time ever trying fried green tomatoes and they turned out pretty darn good! Thanks!
78. Mel @ bouchonfor2.com | November 22nd, 2009 at 3:51 am
I adore your recipe and your vegan blog is a wonderful read. Care to join a veggie food fight hosted by me and shesimmers.com and submit a fennel recipe? More details: http://www.bouchonfor2.com/beet-n-squash-you/
79. Paige Newman | December 5th, 2009 at 10:36 pm
That looks so good!
80. Sarah the Hipster Veg | January 14th, 2010 at 11:19 am
I like to make mine with corn flakes…makes them a bit crunchier. I fry then bake…makes them a bit crispier!
81. toenail fungus remedies&hellip | January 27th, 2010 at 12:04 pm
toenail fungus remedies…
Very insightful. Good points. Thanks for your thoughts on this….
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