“Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce”

The season is about over for fresh vine-ripe tomatoes. So here’s my recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce using the fresh green tomatoes brought to market when the red ones no longer ripen on the vine. Celebrate the end of the season with these juicy, tangy green gems. No need to throw all those green ones away. If you are throwing them away, you’re missing the boat. This is a favorite recipe prepared by my Mom so get on the gravy train and buy a couple of green tomatoes and enjoy a heavenly taste and that infrequent fried treat. Fried Green Tomatoes are the perfect side with burgers or sausages. They also make an excellent appetizer with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce

Having a garden as a kid growing up in Ohio made it easy to have fried green tomatoes quite often at the end of summer. Making Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce is easy and come together in 30 minutes or less. First, make the dipping sauce by mixing buttermilk, mayonnaise, sour cream, fresh dill, lemon juice, and 1/4 t. pepper. Cover and let sit in refrigerator until ready to serve. The taste of dill is fresh and refreshing.

Next, slice two or three green tomatoes into 1/4-inch slices and lay on a plate. Meanwhile, beat two eggs in a small bowl and set aside. In another small bowl combine flour, cornmeal, and bread crumbs with 1/4 t. kosher salt. Pour flour mixture on a plate for easy dredging.

Now, heat Canola oil in a large skillet. Dip green tomato slices in egg and then coat with flour-bread crumb mixture. Fry on each side 3 – 4 minutes or until golden brown. Sprinkle with salt and drain on paper towels until ready to serve, continuing to fry the rest of the tomato slices. Remove dipping sauce from refrigerator and serve.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce

I love this recipe and I highly recommend it before green tomatoes disappear from your local market. In addition to eating Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce as an appetizer or side, try making a Fried Green Tomato and Bacon Naked Po’ Boy. Naked means no lettuce or sliced red tomato as on a traditional Po’ boy. To make this wonderful sandwich start with crusty, toasted sub rolls. Fry up your favorite bacon or use thick sliced bacon which is perfect for this sandwich. Use the dill dipping sauce as you would mayonnaise and smear on both sides of bread. Top with fried green tomatoes and slices of bacon serving with a side of french fries. Another delicious way to eat Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce.

Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce

No matter how you serve this end of the season treasure, give this recipe a try and tickle you and your family’s  taste buds. They’re in for a pleasant surprise. If you’ve never made or had fried green tomatoes, treat yourself and Miss Daisy. Give me a shout if you make this recipe by leaving a comment, #chowdownlowdown or @michelleheyden. Enjoy!

Fried Green Tomatoes with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce

2 – 3 fresh green tomatoes, cut into ¼-inch thick slices

2 eggs, beaten

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/3 cup yellow cornmeal

1/3 cup panko bread crumbs

1/4 t. kosher salt

Canola oil

Dipping Sauce:

2 T. cultured low-fat buttermilk

2 T. Olive oil mayonnaise

2 T. sour cream

1 T. fresh dill, chopped

1 T. lemon juice

1/4 t. pepper

In a large skillet, pour in enough Canola oil to measure ½-inch deep and heat over medium heat (350 degrees).

Dip tomato slices in beaten egg and then coat slices with bread crumb mixture. Fry slices 3 – 4 minutes per side until golden brown.

Drain fried tomatoes on paper towels while continuing to fry remaining tomato slices.

Serve with Fresh Dill Dipping Sauce.

To prepare dipping sauce, mix all ingredients in a serving bowl until well combined.

Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until ready to serve.

Note: Use fried green tomatoes to make Po’ Boys by smearing both sides of toasted, crusty sub rolls with dipping sauce. Top with fried thick-sliced bacon and fried green tomatoes. You can also add lettuce as with traditional Po’ Boys if desired.