Fried green tomatoes, so much more than just a beautiful movie with great actresses. Fried Green tomatoes are a delight to eat, simple to make and they really are a staple in the South.
Now that more people are realizing how tasty these are, you will find more and more recipes available.
Go ahead, try them just once, you will not regret it.
What Makes Green Tomatoes Special?
I’m sure you’ve heard of green tomatoes, but why are they so special? You see, unlike your typical red or yellow tomato, a green tomato isn’t fully ripened. This means it has an incredibly firm and tart flavor that’s perfect for dishes like salsa and chutney. Plus, green tomatoes are just as nutritious as other varieties too!
Benefits Of Eating Green Tomatoes
First off, one of the biggest positives is that green tomatoes contain higher amounts of lycopene than their ripened counterparts. Lycopene is an antioxidant which has been linked to reducing inflammation and lowering your risk for certain cancers. It can also help protect your skin from sun damage when consumed regularly. Additionally, studies suggest that consuming green tomatoes may be beneficial in improving digestion due to its high fiber content. Lastly, these vegetables are low in calories and fat-free making them a healthier choice if you’re watching what you eat or following a weight loss plan.
Are Green Tomatoes Safe To Eat?
I’m sure you’ve seen green tomatoes in the grocery store and wondered if they’re safe to eat. After all, unripe tomatoes don’t look like their juicy red counterparts that are usually found on salads or in sandwiches. But can we actually consume them?
The answer is yes! Green tomatoes may not be as sweet as regular ones but they have a tart taste that adds an interesting flavor to recipes. They also contain the same nutrients and health benefits that fully ripe tomatoes do – such as providing vitamin C, dietary fiber, and antioxidants. So go ahead and experiment with easy green tomato recipes; your taste buds won’t regret it!
1. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are a classic dish. These are quite popular all over the world. Sliced green tomatoes with a lightly seasoned breading.
Fried Green Tomatoes make a perfect midday lunch or a perfect side for any main meal entree. I like to toss in some flaked red pepper in the bread crumbs to add some color.
You can use any type of dipping sauce you like, Ranch, Honey Mustard, Barbecue or even ketchup.
2. Grilled Green Tomatoes
Grilled green tomatoes will enhance any meats you also grill. The flavor from grilling is outstanding. Before grilling, dip the slices into Soy Sauce and then into light bread crumbs like Planko breading.
When done, sprinkle with freshly shredded Parmesan Cheese. These are so good you will want to make a large batch. Grilled Green Tomatoes are great for dipping in your favorite sauce or eating just the way they are.
3. Green Tomato Stew
Green tomato stew is one of those dishes that everyone should try. This stew could be eaten hot or cold, I play it by ear with the weather outside.
When you mix the flavors of the green tomato with coconut milk you have the perfect combination. Toss in some green chilis and diced red tomatoes as it is cooking and you have a treat that will not be forgotten anytime soon.
Who does not like stew? It is one of those perfect dishes for any time of year.
4. Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes
Vegan fried green tomatoes are the ideal side dish or main course that contains no dairy, no nuts and is still completely nutritious and flavorful.
When you whip these up for the family, they will never know that they are vegan. Simply use tapioca starch, vegetable stock and spices to give these that great outer coating, yet melt in your mouth flavor.
When you mix and match spices to change up the taste and work for many different dishes.
5. Green Tomato Chutney
Green tomato chutney is one of the most popular Preserves used in Britain.
A jam of sorts that tastes wonderful on a biscuit or toast. Chutney is easy to make. When making Green Tomato Chutney, you can use a variety of tomatoes, and then allow them to cook for a couple of hours.
That is all it will take to make your new favorite flavor of preserves.
6. Pickled Green Tomatoes
Pickled green tomatoes are a favorite across the globe. Made in similar fashion to pickled eggs, pickles and other vegetables, it is not a difficult task.
By pickling green tomatoes you will be able to enjoy them year round. There is nothing better than summer foods in the middle of winter.
7. South Indian Green Tomato Dal
South Indian green tomato dal is a traditional stew eaten in India. It takes only nine ingredients, 3 of which could be skipped.
South Indian Green Tomato Dal is most often served with rice or a bread called chapati. You can serve Tomato Dal with a side of spicy vegetables or stir fried vegetables.
8. Pasta With End Of Green Tomato Sauce
Pasta with end of harvest green tomato sauce is a light and simple dish to serve up for a quick lunch. This dish is my go to when it comes to the end of the growing season.
The days do not get warm enough to ripen any further vegetables and the threat of frost is in the weather. I grab what is left of my green tomatoes and coarsely chop them, add a couple of simple spices and cook slightly.
Toss with your choice of pasta and you have a fast and filling dinner.
9. Green Tomato Ketchup
Green tomato ketchup is almost identical to the red ketchup that we are all accustomed to. The flavor is different, slightly tart compared to red ketchup.
However, if you have a lot of green tomatoes left in the garden, you will not regret making your own Green Tomato Ketchup. It is a pleasant added flavor to put on burgers and sandwiches.
If you have never tried green tomato ketchup, it is time, this will spin your world in a whole new direction.
10. Green Tomato Salsa Verde
Green tomato salsa verde is simply green salsa. It is made with the green tomatoes, green chilis, green onions and a few other very simple ingredients.
This is a wonderful condiment to use on enchiladas, sandwiches, tacos, and quesadillas. Definitely a different look from red salsa, but ultimately besides being slightly more tart, it is the same. And it is just as easy to make.
11. Green Tomato Curry
Green tomato curry is an Indian spiced gravy that is most often served with rice. Basmati rice is the most common choice.
Curry is commonly known as a Southeastern Asian meal with a spiced gravy served with some form of protein and rice. Green tomato curry is becoming a very popular choice as you get the tartness of the green tomato and the spice of the curry.
Curry is common in many dishes worldwide, the curry is the way to add flavor into a dish that would not normally have that much variety of flavor.
12. Burmese Green Tomato Salad
Burmese green tomato salad is a refreshing twist on salads. This is a delightful combination of a nutty flavor with the tart green tomatoes, and is an excellent choice for an accompaniment for other salads, rice or vegetables.
The Burmese Green Tomato Salad is generally seasoned with dried shrimp and fish or oyster sauce. When you are in the mood for a delicious meal with just a taste of shrimp. When paired up with grilled meat, it makes a complete meal.
13. Green Tomato Cake
Green tomato cake makes a delightful spin on a traditional carrot or spice cake.
Another way to utilize all those remaining green tomatoes at the end of the season without having to eat the same stuff time after time.
With this cake, I have used my own favorite recipe of a spice cake and stirred in a couple of cups of chopped green tomatoes. The flavor combination had my taste buds jumping with happiness.
14. Fried Green Tomato Sandwich
Fried green tomato BLT sandwich would be a great switch from the common Bacon, lettuce and tomato sandwich we have grown so accustomed to.
Instead of the sweet taste of plump and juicy red tomatoes, we use the tart and crisp type of green tomatoes. We go one step further and make our tomatoes as fried green tomatoes before adding them to the Bacon, Lettuce part of the sandwich.
This should be a must try for everyone.
15. Green Tomato Soup with Sausage and Rice
Green tomato soup with sausage and rice speaks to me as a total comfort food.
When the winter turns chilly, we want a meal that warms us from the inside out and this brothy soup with chunks of sausage and loads of rice is the perfect soup to do that.
There is so much flavor and comfort in something that is not difficult to make. This is my go to food when I am short on time.
17. Green Tomato Pie
Green tomato pie is one of those superb desserts that come from the southern region of the United States.
Those in the South seem to know so much more about food than the northern states. This is not actually a dessert, it is more of a main course. Tart green tomatoes mixed with a special blend of spices and herbs that bring the taste over the top.
This is a favorite dish for millions of people.
18. Fried Green Tomatoes With Sautéed Shrimp
When it comes to having an overabundance of green tomatoes, finding different ways to make them.
This recipe is great and super easy to make. Those tasty southern style fried green tomatoes with shrimp and a creamy sauce over the top of the tomatoes. This would pair up excellently with a glass of white wine or even a chardonnay.
You could add a touch of spice by sprinkling a dash of red pepper flakes into the sauce. Be sure not to cook the shrimp too long, it becomes dry and tough. A simple sauce is made for the shrimp.
19. Fried Green Tomato Vegetarian Burrito
Green tomato vegetarian burrito made into one of the favorite mexican dishes of all time.
To enjoy this dish, simply fry up some sliced green tomatoes in your favorite style, then slice into strips and add a good scoop of rice and beans. Roll it up in a tortilla and crisp up the outside of the tortilla.
This is a great meal for those who are short on time and want to use up some of the last of the garden harvest.
20. Fried Green Tomato and Okra Po’Boys
Fried green tomato and Okra Po’Boys make the best sandwich I have tasted in a long time.
The toasted sandwiches also have a smoked fish vinaigrette to give a little more flavor to the sandwich. Topped with red onion, lettuce and a hot sauce. This is a great idea for picnics, potlucks and parties.
Serve these up with a glass of sweet southern tea or cold lemonade. Choose your choice of hoagie rolls, french bread or baguettes, onion rolls or you can even use bagels to make these tremendous sandwiches.