FRIED GREEN TOMATOES

Fried Green Tomatoes image

Provided by Nicole A. Taylor

Yield Feeds 2-4

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 large green tomatoes (1 pound), cleaned and sliced into ½-inch slices
1 teaspoon plus ¼ teaspoon coarse salt, divided
1 teaspoon plus ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
¾ cup buttermilk
½ cup fine cornmeal
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
1½ cups sunflower oil

Steps:

Sprinkle tomato slices with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Place the tomatoes in and soak for 15 minutes.
Combine ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, cornmeal, flour, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk well. Dredge both sides of the tomatoes in the mixture.
Place oil in a large skillet over high heat. Heat until an instant-read thermometer reads 350°F. Carefully drop tomatoes in the oil (work in batches). Cook about a minute on each side or until golden brown. Remember to let the oil reach the 350°F mark before dropping more fritters, and don't crowd the pan.
Transfer to jelly roll sheet with cooling rack on top.