Victory Garden Fried Green Tomatoes (GF) (DF)

There is so much enthusiasm for Victory Gardens this summer, and lucky me! An overflow from my neighbor's green tomato plants resulted in an unexpected summer supper directly from the vine to my dinner plate.

I've learned a bit since the last time I made these. Cornmeal in the batter will give a nice crunch. Cast iron pans will cook the most evenly. And high heat just under smoking is the key to getting a good crust.

Four minutes on each side got the big slices soft in the middle and the small ones crispy like tomato nuggets. No time to set up a camera for these - best enjoyed as soon as they come out of the frying pan!

My Paleo Marin Rating: 5 Persimmons*

Ingredients:

1-2 large firm ripe green tomatoes + 3-5 smaller tomatoes
Salt

1 cup gluten free flour, preferably Cup4Cup Gluten Free Multipurpose Flour
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, optional (I didn't use it)
1/2 cup buttermilk; for nondairy, use 1/2 cup almond milk + 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice, mix and let sit for 10 minutes
1 egg
1/3 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup dry bread crumbs; for gluten free, use Ian’s Gluten Free Panko Breadcrumbs Original
1/4 cup almond oil or olive oil

Directions:

1. Slice large green tomatoes horizontally into 1/2" slices. Cut smaller tomatoes in half lengthwise. Salt the tops of the tomatoes and let sit for 5 minutes. Wipe moisture off tops with paper towel before dipping.

2. In 3 separate bowls, add: (1) Flour; if using seasoning, whisk together; (2) Milk and egg, whisked together; and (3) Cornmeal and breadcrumbs, mixed together.

3. Heat a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat, then add the oil. As the pan and oil are heating, dip the tomato slices first in the flour, then the milk mixture, and lastly the cornmeal and bread crumbs. When the oil is just under smoking, add the dipped slices to fit in the pan without crowding. Cook the slices for about 4 minutes on each side. Place them on paper towels to drain. Repeat as necessary, adding more oil if needed.

Enjoy immediately!

#paleo #tomatoes #glutenfree #dairyfree #greentomatoes #southerncooking #iansbreadcrumbs #victorygardens #healthyeating #vegetarian #vegan #jossloves

Recipe adapted from Simply Recipes here.

*My Paleo Marin Rating between 1-5 Persimmons

I try out these recipes so you don't have to (and modify them for Paleo where possible). The rating will reflect my opinion of the final result in terms of taste, ease of preparation, nutrition, and sometimes, cost.