There’s nothing quite like the comforting crunch of fried green tomatoes, and Brenda Gantt’s version elevates this Southern classic to perfection.
This recipe delivers that golden, crispy exterior and a juicy, tangy interior, making it a perfect appetizer or side dish.
Let’s dive into the details of how you can recreate this delightful dish in your kitchen!
What so Special About Fried Green Tomatoes by Brenda Gantt?
Brenda Gantt’s fried green tomatoes stand out for their simplicity, authentic Southern flavor, and signature crispiness. Her recipe highlights the natural tang of unripe tomatoes, paired with a perfectly seasoned cornmeal-flour coating that delivers a satisfying crunch.
The use of buttermilk ensures the coating sticks well, while frying in hot oil achieves a golden-brown exterior. Brenda’s down-home approach makes this recipe approachable yet flavorful, evoking the warmth and comfort of classic Southern cooking—perfect for anyone craving a true taste of the South.
Ingredients for Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
- 1 green tomato
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornmeal (preferably White Lily self-rising)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (White Lily recommended)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Equipment & Tools Required
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Chopping block
- Knife
- Paper towels
- Mixing bowls
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 2-3
How to Make Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Tomato
Begin by washing the green tomato thoroughly. On a chopping block, slice the tomato into small cubes, similar in size to potato salad pieces. This ensures even cooking and a lovely bite-sized crunch.
Step 2: Season and Prep for Frying
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. While waiting for the oil to warm up, season the tomato cubes with salt and black pepper. Next, drizzle ¼ cup of buttermilk over the seasoned tomatoes, allowing the buttermilk to act as a binder for the coating.
Step 3: Coat the Tomatoes
In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup cornmeal and ¼ cup all-purpose flour. Toss the buttermilk-coated tomato cubes in this mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
Step 4: Fry the Tomatoes
Once the oil is sufficiently hot (you can test by dropping a bit of batter into the oil and seeing if it sizzles), carefully add the coated tomato cubes into the skillet. Fry until they reach a golden-brown hue and a crispy texture, which should take about 4–5 minutes. Avoid turning or stirring the tomatoes too much to preserve the crispy coating.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once your tomatoes are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to absorb any excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Creative Serving Ideas for Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
1. Classic Southern Combo
Serve fried green tomatoes as a side dish with Southern staples like fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. This combination makes for a hearty, traditional meal.
2. Topped with Pimento Cheese
Spread a dollop of creamy pimento cheese on top of each fried tomato for an indulgent Southern twist. The rich, cheesy topping pairs beautifully with the crispy tomatoes.
3. Fried Green Tomato BLT
Add fried green tomatoes to a classic BLT sandwich. The crunchy, tangy tomatoes add an extra punch of flavor alongside the bacon, lettuce, and mayonnaise.
4. Eggs and Grits
Pair fried green tomatoes with a breakfast of scrambled eggs and creamy grits. This combination makes for a satisfying, savory start to your day.
5. Remoulade Dipping Sauce
Serve the tomatoes with a tangy remoulade sauce. The bold, zesty flavors of the sauce complement the crispy coating and juicy inside of the fried tomatoes.
6. Fried Green Tomato Salad
Incorporate the tomatoes into a fresh salad with arugula, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. The crispy tomatoes add texture and tang, balancing out the salad’s freshness.
7. Seafood Pairing
Pair your fried green tomatoes with seafood like shrimp or crab cakes. The crispy tomatoes and the delicate flavor of seafood complement each other, especially when served with a citrusy aioli.
8. Burgers with a Twist
Use fried green tomatoes as a topping for your burgers. Their crispy texture and tangy flavor add a new dimension to the classic beef or veggie burger.
9. Appetizer with Ranch or Aioli
Serve fried green tomatoes as an appetizer with a side of ranch dressing or garlic aioli. These dipping sauces add a creamy, flavorful element that guests will love.
10. Southern Picnic Basket
Pack fried green tomatoes with other picnic essentials like cold fried chicken, potato salad, and iced tea. These tomatoes are delicious even at room temperature and make a great picnic snack.
URRecipe Community Tips on Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
1. Choose Firm Green Tomatoes
Make sure to select firm, unripe green tomatoes. Ripe tomatoes won’t hold up well during frying and may become mushy.
2. Use Buttermilk as a Binder
The buttermilk not only enhances flavor but also helps the cornmeal and flour mixture stick better to the tomato cubes. Drizzle it lightly for even coating.
3. Don’t Skip the Seasoning
Season the tomato cubes with salt and pepper before coating. This ensures that the flavor penetrates the tomatoes, making each bite delicious.
4. Let the Oil Heat Properly
Ensure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb more oil and become greasy.
5. Test the Oil Temperature
You can test the oil’s readiness by dropping a small bit of the cornmeal-flour mixture into it. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.
6. Avoid Overcrowding the Pan
Fry the tomatoes in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Too many tomatoes at once can lower the oil’s temperature, making them less crispy.
7. Toss Gently for Even Coating
Toss the tomato cubes gently in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Press the mixture lightly onto the tomatoes if necessary to ensure a good crust.
8. Limit Flipping
Once the tomatoes are in the hot oil, resist the urge to flip or stir them frequently. Let them sit and fry undisturbed to prevent the coating from falling off.
9. Use a Paper Towel to Drain Excess Oil
After frying, immediately transfer the tomatoes to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil and keep them from getting soggy.
10. Serve Immediately for Maximum Crunch
Fried green tomatoes are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them right away to maintain that crispy texture before they soften from sitting too long.
How to Store Leftover Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
To store leftover Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes, let them cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
For reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F to restore their crispiness, as microwaving may make them soggy. Avoid storing for long to preserve freshness.
Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 green tomato
- ¼ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornmeal preferably White Lily self-rising
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour White Lily recommended
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Begin by washing the green tomato thoroughly. On a chopping block, slice the tomato into small cubes, similar in size to potato salad pieces. This ensures even cooking and a lovely bite-sized crunch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. While waiting for the oil to warm up, season the tomato cubes with salt and black pepper. Next, drizzle ¼ cup of buttermilk over the seasoned tomatoes, allowing the buttermilk to act as a binder for the coating.
- In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup cornmeal and ¼ cup all-purpose flour. Toss the buttermilk-coated tomato cubes in this mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated.
- Once the oil is sufficiently hot (you can test by dropping a bit of batter into the oil and seeing if it sizzles), carefully add the coated tomato cubes into the skillet. Fry until they reach a golden-brown hue and a crispy texture, which should take about 4–5 minutes. Avoid turning or stirring the tomatoes too much to preserve the crispy coating.
- Once your tomatoes are fried to perfection, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This step helps to absorb any excess oil, ensuring they remain crispy. Let them cool slightly before serving.
Video
Notes
Common queries on Brenda Gantt Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this
1. What is the story Fried Green Tomatoes about?
The 1991 film Fried Green Tomatoes is based on the novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Flagg. It intertwines two stories: one set in the 1980s about a housewife who forms a friendship with an elderly woman, and another set in the 1920s–1940s about a friendship between two women in the rural South. Themes of love, resilience, and social justice are central to the story.
2. What is so special about fried green tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes are a Southern comfort food known for their crispy texture and tangy flavor. What makes them special is how they transform unripe tomatoes into a delicious, crunchy dish. They are a beloved part of Southern cuisine and can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or side dish.
3. Is Fried Green Tomatoes worth watching?
Yes, Fried Green Tomatoes is considered a classic film. It is known for its heartfelt story, strong female characters, and exploration of complex themes like friendship, identity, and social change. It’s a timeless movie that has resonated with audiences for decades.
4. What kind of tomatoes should I use for fried green tomatoes?
For fried green tomatoes, always use firm, unripe green tomatoes. These tomatoes hold their shape during frying and offer the right amount of tanginess, which contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating.
5. Can I make fried green tomatoes in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make fried green tomatoes in an air fryer! Follow the same steps to coat the tomatoes, then air fry them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
6. What dipping sauces go well with fried green tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes pair well with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, remoulade, or even a spicy sriracha mayo. These sauces add a creamy element to balance the crispy, tangy tomatoes.
7. Can I use red tomatoes instead of green?
It’s best to use unripe green tomatoes for this recipe. Red tomatoes are too soft and juicy, which can lead to a soggy, less crispy result when fried.
8. What oil is best for frying green tomatoes?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are ideal for frying green tomatoes. These oils have a high smoke point, ensuring the tomatoes fry evenly without burning.
9. Can I bake fried green tomatoes instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake them for a healthier option. Coat the tomato slices as usual, place them on a greased baking sheet, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
10. How can I serve fried green tomatoes?
Fried green tomatoes can be served as an appetizer with a dipping sauce, as a topping for burgers or sandwiches, or as part of a Southern meal with fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. They’re also delicious added to salads for extra crunch.
Brenda Gantt’s fried green tomatoes are a simple yet satisfying dish that highlights the flavors of fresh produce with a delightful crispy finish. Serve them as an appetizer, a snack, or even a side dish at your next gathering.
With minimal ingredients and a straightforward process, you can bring this classic Southern recipe into your own kitchen with ease!
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great and tanzy
Thanks