Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing is a classic Southern dish that is perfect for dinner. This recipe combines tangy buttermilk and salty feta cheese to create a delicious dressing that pairs perfectly with crispy fried green tomatoes. Whether you are a fan of Southern cuisine or just looking for a new and exciting dinner recipe, Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
To make this dish, you will need green tomatoes, buttermilk, feta cheese, flour, cornmeal, eggs, and a few other ingredients. The key to making perfect fried green tomatoes is to select the best green tomatoes, prepare the buttermilk feta dressing, and use the right breading technique. Once the tomatoes are breaded, they are fried until golden brown and crispy. Finally, the dish is assembled and served with a generous dollop of buttermilk feta dressing.
Overall, Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing is a delicious and satisfying dinner recipe that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you are a fan of Southern cuisine or just looking for something new and exciting to try, this dish is sure to please.
The History of Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a popular Southern dish that has gained popularity across the United States. This dish is made by slicing unripe green tomatoes, dipping them in a batter, and frying them until they are golden brown. The result is a crispy and tangy treat that can be served as an appetizer or a side dish.
The origins of fried green tomatoes are uncertain, but many believe that the dish was created in the South during the 19th century. At that time, tomatoes were not widely consumed in the United States and were often considered poisonous. However, some Southerners began to experiment with unripe green tomatoes, which were firmer and easier to fry than ripe tomatoes.
Fried green tomatoes gained popularity in the early 20th century, and by the 1930s, they were a common dish in Southern households. During this time, many farmers would harvest their green tomatoes at the end of the growing season and fry them up for a tasty treat.
Today, fried green tomatoes are a beloved dish that can be found in many Southern restaurants and homes. They are often served with a variety of dipping sauces, including ranch dressing, remoulade, and buttermilk feta dressing.
In conclusion, fried green tomatoes are a delicious and unique dish with a rich history in Southern cuisine. Whether you are a fan of traditional Southern cooking or just looking to try something new, fried green tomatoes are a must-try dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Selecting the Best Green Tomatoes
Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing is a delicious and hearty meal that can be enjoyed any time of the year. However, selecting the right green tomatoes is crucial to the success of this recipe. Here are some tips to help you choose the best green tomatoes for this dish:
1. Look for Firm Tomatoes
When selecting green tomatoes, it’s important to choose ones that are firm and not too ripe. Soft or overripe tomatoes will not hold up well during the frying process and will turn mushy. Therefore, it’s best to choose firm and unripe tomatoes that are still green in color.
2. Choose Medium-Sized Tomatoes
Medium-sized green tomatoes are the perfect size for frying. They are not too small, which makes them difficult to handle, and not too large, which can result in uneven cooking. Medium-sized tomatoes are also easier to slice evenly, which is important for even cooking.
3. Avoid Blemished Tomatoes
When selecting green tomatoes, it’s important to avoid those with blemishes or bruises. Blemished tomatoes will not only affect the appearance of the dish, but they can also affect the taste. Choose green tomatoes that are smooth and free from any blemishes or bruises.
4. Check the Stem End
The stem end of the tomato can give you an indication of its freshness. Look for green tomatoes with a fresh and green stem end. If the stem end is brown or withered, it may be an indication that the tomato is not fresh.
By following these tips, you can select the best green tomatoes for Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing. With the right tomatoes, you can create a delicious and satisfying meal that your family and friends will love.
Essential Ingredients for the Recipe
Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing is a simple yet delicious recipe that requires only a handful of essential ingredients. These ingredients are readily available in most grocery stores and can be easily sourced.
Green Tomatoes
As the name suggests, the key ingredient of this recipe is green tomatoes. Green tomatoes are unripe tomatoes that are firm and tart in taste. They are an excellent source of vitamins A and C, and are also low in calories. When selecting green tomatoes, choose ones that are firm and unblemished.
Buttermilk
Buttermilk is a tangy and creamy dairy product that is used to marinate the green tomatoes. It adds a delicious tangy flavor to the dish and also helps to tenderize the tomatoes. Buttermilk can be easily found in most grocery stores. If it is not available, it can be substituted with a mixture of milk and vinegar or lemon juice.
Feta Cheese
Feta cheese is a crumbly and salty cheese that is used to make the dressing for the fried green tomatoes. It adds a delicious salty flavor and a creamy texture to the dish. Feta cheese can be easily found in most grocery stores. If it is not available, it can be substituted with other crumbly cheeses such as goat cheese or blue cheese.
Cornmeal
Cornmeal is used to coat the green tomatoes before frying. It adds a delicious crunch and texture to the dish. Cornmeal can be easily found in most grocery stores. If it is not available, it can be substituted with other types of flour such as all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs.
Oil
Oil is used to fry the green tomatoes until they are golden brown and crispy. Any type of oil with a high smoke point can be used for frying such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. It is important to use enough oil so that the tomatoes are fully submerged while frying.
Overall, these essential ingredients are what make Fried Green Tomatoes with Buttermilk Feta Dressing such a delicious and easy-to-prepare recipe. With these ingredients on hand, anyone can whip up this Southern classic for a satisfying dinner.
Preparing the Buttermilk Feta Dressing
Blending the Buttermilk and Feta
To make the buttermilk feta dressing for the fried green tomatoes, start by whisking together 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, and 1/4 cup of sour cream in a small bowl. Then, crumble in 1 cup of feta cheese and whisk it all together until smooth.
Seasoning the Dressing
Once the buttermilk and feta are blended, it’s time to season the dressing. Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh dill and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to the bowl and whisk everything together. Finally, add 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to taste, and whisk again until the dressing is well-seasoned.
Storing the Dressing
The buttermilk feta dressing can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before serving, give the dressing a good stir to recombine any separated ingredients. If the dressing is too thick, thin it out with a little more buttermilk.
To summarize, making the buttermilk feta dressing for the fried green tomatoes is a simple process that involves blending the buttermilk and feta, seasoning the dressing with fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper, and storing it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Breading Technique for Green Tomatoes
Choosing the Right Breading
Choosing the right breading for fried green tomatoes is crucial to achieving the perfect texture and flavor. The most commonly used breading for this recipe is a mixture of cornmeal and flour. The cornmeal provides a crispy texture, while the flour helps to hold the breading together and adds a subtle flavor.
However, some recipes call for a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal, which can also produce a deliciously crispy coating. It’s important to choose a breading that complements the tangy flavor of the green tomatoes and doesn’t overpower it.
Coating the Tomatoes Evenly
To achieve an even coating of breading on the green tomatoes, it’s important to follow a few simple steps. First, slice the tomatoes evenly so that they cook at the same rate. Then, season the slices with salt and let them sit for 30 minutes to draw out excess moisture.
Next, coat the tomato slices in the breading mixture, making sure to press the breading onto the tomatoes so that it sticks. It’s important to coat each slice evenly to ensure that they cook evenly.
Finally, fry the coated tomato slices in hot oil until they are golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy tomatoes.
By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful fried green tomatoes every time.
Frying the Green Tomatoes
Oil Selection and Temperature Control
Frying green tomatoes requires a high smoke point oil, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high temperature required for frying without breaking down and imparting off-flavors to the food. It is important to maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F to ensure even cooking and prevent the tomatoes from becoming greasy. A deep-fry thermometer can be helpful in monitoring the oil temperature.
Frying Time and Techniques
To achieve a crispy exterior and tender interior, it is important to properly coat the green tomato slices before frying. A typical coating consists of flour, cornmeal, and seasonings. The tomato slices should be coated in the flour mixture, then dipped in a mixture of buttermilk and eggs, and finally coated in the cornmeal mixture.
When frying the coated tomato slices, it is important to not overcrowd the pan, as this can cause the temperature to drop and result in soggy tomatoes. The tomato slices should be fried until golden brown, which takes about 2-3 minutes per side. After frying, the tomato slices should be drained on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
By following these oil selection, temperature control, and frying time and technique guidelines, one can achieve perfectly crispy and flavorful fried green tomatoes.