Classic Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe

If you were to make a list of iconic southern dishes, fried green tomatoes would certainly be on it and probably near the top. Southerners have been frying their green tomatoes for ages, but the dish gained national popularity in the late 1980s when fannie flagg's novel fried green tomatoes at the whistle stop cafe was published and later made into a movie. Green tomatoes are popular in the south, and you can usually find them in southern supermarkets throughout the summer season. If you do not live in the south and do not grow your own tomatoes, check with your local farmer's markets. Besides fried green tomatoes, those end-of-the-season green tomatoes can be used in many other recipes. Some great possibilities include hot dog relish, green tomato pickles; even ketchup can be made with green tomatoes. They can also be used to make green tomato pie, moist green tomato cake, or fried corn and green tomato fritters. This is a basic recipe for classic southern fried green tomatoes, made simply with a lightly seasoned cornmeal coating. They are great served as a side dish or snack, or add them to a special breakfast or brunch menu. Use your trusty iron skillet to fry the tomatoes and serve them with an easy dip or dressing.