Fried Green Tomatoes – Taste of Birmingham Food Tours

Fried green tomatoes are a classic Southern dish that have been enjoyed for generations, and you can try them on our Taste of Birmingham Food Tours. This beloved comfort food is made by slicing unripe green tomatoes, dredging them in a seasoned cornmeal mixture, and then frying them until they are golden brown and crispy. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at this delicious dish and its history.

History of Fried Green Tomatoes:

Fried green tomatoes have their origins in the South, where they were a popular dish during the summer months when green tomatoes were abundant. Some food historians believe that the dish may have originated with Jewish immigrants who settled in the South and brought with them a love of fried foods. Others believe that it was a way to use up unripe tomatoes before the first frost.

Regardless of its origins, fried green tomatoes have become a staple of Southern cuisine and can now be found on menus across the country. The dish gained wider recognition in 1987, with the publication of the novel “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe” by Fannie Flagg. The book was later adapted into a movie, which further popularized the dish.

How to Make Fried Green Tomatoes:

To make fried green tomatoes, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 2-3 green tomatoes
  • 1 cup of cornmeal
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 cup of buttermilk
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

  1. Slice the green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick slices.
  2. In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Dip the tomato slices into the buttermilk, then dredge them in the cornmeal mixture, making sure to coat both sides.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the tomato slices to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan.
  6. Fry the tomato slices for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove the tomato slices from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  8. Serve the fried green tomatoes hot, with a side of ranch dressing or remoulade sauce.

Fried green tomatoes are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for summertime picnics, potlucks, or as a side dish with your favorite Southern meal. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a first-time taster, this classic dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.

 

To try them at the famous (Whistle-stop) Irondale Café (and see the real Miss Idge’s house) book a East Side Lunch Tour!  Join our expert guides on a food tour and taste the best local cuisine in the city!

Our tours take you to top-rated restaurants and hidden gems, where you’ll sample a variety of dishes and learn about the history and culture of the area. Book your tour now and experience the ultimate foodie adventure!

If you are unfamiliar with the cuisine (and what rock have you been living under for all your life)…Southern food is a diverse and flavorful cuisine that originated in the southern region of the United States. It is characterized by its heavy use of ingredients such as cornmeal, grits, biscuits, fried chicken, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and sweet potatoes. Southerners love their comfort foods, and dishes like macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and barbecue are staples in the region. The cuisine also features a variety of seafood, including shrimp, oysters, and catfish, which are often fried and served with hushpuppies. Southern desserts are known for their sweetness and indulgence, with popular treats like pecan pie, peach cobbler, and banana pudding.

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