by Pat Lunsford

Created on: February 12, 2008   Last Updated: June 02, 2011

Fried green tomatoes have always been a popular favorite in the Deep South but when the movie “Fried green Tomatoes” came out, people began searching for the recipe. However, while the recipe is easy to come by, green tomatoes are not. They are rarely sold in conventional grocery stores and very few vegetable markets carry them either.

Nevertheless, fried green tomatoes have become so popular that a number of people have resorted to growing their own. Two or three tomato plants can produce plenty of green and ripe tomatoes for several weeks.

It isn’t difficult to make fried green tomatoes. Wash, slice, and coat with flour. Place the coated tomato slices in a pan of hot oil and cook about two minutes. Turn them and cook about two minutes more then drain on a paper towel.

Another method is to add one part cornmeal to two parts of flour. This adds loads of flavor to fried green tomatoes.

In the Deep South, green tomatoes are sometimes fried in bacon grease. This is not a healthy choice but it sure is good! A healthier alternative would be to use a smaller amount of bacon grease such as two parts cooking oil and one part bacon grease.

Gravy is usually made with the drippings once the green tomatoes are done and the added bacon grease makes it absolutely delicious. It’s really easy to make. When the green tomatoes have all been cooked and taken out of the pan, reduce the heat and sprinkle a little flour into the pan.

The pan should already have some flour residue in it from the tomatoes but for thickness, add about two or three heaping tablespoons of flour into the pan and stir until browned. Add water a little at a time until desired thickness has been achieved then salt and pepper to taste. This is good stuff!

For extra special fried green tomatoes, try frying them in the meat drippings of different meats such as pork chops or chicken. Then make the gravy out of the drippings. If you have an excess of drippings, freeze it and use it to cook the green tomatoes at another time.

Fried green tomatoes, when done right, can easily be a meat substitute, especially when served with gravy. The gravy can be poured over the fried green tomatoes or served on the side. Actually, the gravy is good on any other foods being served.

If you have never tried fried green tomatoes you are truly missing out on something good. Making the gravy may take a little practice but once you get the hang of it your family will be begging you for it.

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