Irresistible Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Classic

Ingredients

• 4 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups canola oil, or as needed
• 0.5 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce

Instructions

1. Season tomato slices generously with salt and pepper.
2. In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of pepper. Pour buttermilk into a separate shallow bowl. In a third shallow bowl, combine cornmeal, parsley, paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of pepper, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat each tomato slice thoroughly in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk, and finally, press both sides into the cornmeal mixture to ensure full coverage. Arrange the coated tomato slices on a baking sheet and allow them to rest for 10 to 15 minutes, enabling the coating to adhere properly.
4. Heat oil to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) in a deep-fryer or large saucepan.
5. Carefully place the tomato slices into the hot oil and fry until they achieve a crispy, golden-brown color and float to the surface, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. For the dipping sauce, whisk together ranch dressing, Cajun seasoning, and hot pepper sauce in a small bowl until well combined. Serve the flavorful sauce alongside the freshly fried tomato slices.

Nutrition

• Calories: 443 kcal
• Fat Content: 23 g
• Fiber Content: 4 g
• Sugar Content: 8 g
• Sodium Content: 1877 mg
• Protein Content: 8 g
• Cholesterol Content: 9 mg
• Carbohydrate Content: 52 g
• Saturated Fat Content: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat Content: 0 g