Fried Green Tomato Topped on Mac & Cheese

Visiting Charleston in South Carolina gave me a newfound appreciation for a Fried Green Tomato. It is the essence of southern cooking with creamy Mac and Cheese.

When it comes to southern cooking, it doesn't matter if your a Republican from Florida or a Democrat from New York, we all seem to get along for good food and a biscuit on the side.

In the south, a southern recipe has its weight in gold. It is passed down from generation to generation without too much alteration. Why mess with perfection when the complex flavor of green tomatoes prepared in a dish will make your mouth water when in the smelling distance. That is what happened to me at Cru Cafe on a 3-day mini-vacation.

I must declare that of all the places I have traveled to in the United States, Charleston has got to be the best place to visit for great good. Now I have to warn you, this is not for the meek picky eater or the health conscious, this is the place to indulge and gain 5 pounds in 3 days. My Fried Green Tomato Topped on Mac & Cheese is a tribute to Charleston South Carolina with a recipe that rolls into one perfect bite!

A little About a Green Tomato

Green tomatoes are nothing more than unripe tomatoes. They are the ones that haven't ripened by the end of the growing season. This is why they're commonly seen in late summer and early autumn. Or they just didn't turn red on the vine.

Back in the day, food did not go to waste on the farm, you would do something else with that veggie and never throw it out because it was not the perfect size or the perfect color. Food was treasured and for the common folks, you would never waste it. I should know, my grandparents were farmers, and using an extra egg for making brownies got me in trouble.

Another important fact is that green tomatoes are green fruits with tart flavors. To make a green tomato turn red just put them in a wax paper bag and close, then store it in a warm location.

Mac & Cheese Recipe

There are a lot of mac and cheese recipes out there but none top my mother in laws version that I make for my husband. It's very easy to make and a hit every time. Recipe > Homemade Mac and Cheese

Ingredients Needed For Fried Green Tomato

Most of these ingredients can be found at a grocery store or a farmer's market.

• Pork Belly
• Green tomatoes
• Italian bread crumbs
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Fried Plantain Strips
• Ricotta cheese

Step By Step Instructions

No need for any special equipment to make this easy recipe.

Step 1: Slice the pork belly and place it on a non-grease pan on medium heat. Cook till crispy and take out and drain on a plate with a paper towel.

Step 2: Once the bacon has drained and the fat cooled off, cut in bite size.

Step 3: Keep the tomatoes at room temperature, wash the green tomato slices, and slice horizontally, about ½ inch thick.

Step 4: In shallow bowls mix the eggs in one, and place the bread crumbs in the other. Dip the sliced tomato in the egg mixture on both sides. Then dip into the bread crumb.

Step 5: Pour some oil into a new pan and warm oil on medium heat.

Step 6: Place the tomato slices onto the pan and fry on one side.

Step 7: Once one side has brown, turn to the other side. Once the tomato slice is done place it on a full tray lined with a paper towel to drain.

Step 7: On individual plates, place the fried green tomato on top of the mac and cheese, and add a spoonful of ricotta cheese with bacon bits.

Step 8: For a finishing touch I also added a plantain strip on top and drizzled maple syrup for sweet flavors to add to the dish, Enjoy!

Lifestyle Diet

• Low-Carb: There is nothing low-carb about this dish. Something I make for a special occasion.
• Gluten-Free: Gluten-Free bread crumbs can be substituted and so can the macaroni for gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: By removing the bacon, the dish becomes vegetarian.
• Vegan: This would be hard to convert into a vegan meal. A lot more effort and ingredients are involved.

Variations

Here are a few varieties that can be topped on a fried green tomato for an appetizer or a side for a meal.

• caramelized onions + cheese sauce
• raspberry vinaigrette + blue cheese
• chicken salad - this is very easy to make >> recipe
• honey mustard + baby spinach

Tips + Tricks

• When making the fried green tomatoes wash and slice before I warm up the oil. That way everything is prepped before I start.
• Don't use a tomato that is soft or else it will be all mushy by the time it is fried.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make it ahead of time?

Because I live in a very humid climate, I eat mime as soon as I make them, but if I make them in advance I will just stick them on a pan and warm up in the oven so they will crisp up again.

Have Leftovers?

I don't recommend any fried food as a leftover really. Most of the time overnight is not the best for the next day.

I hope you love this recipe as much as I enjoy eating it. See ya next time as my quest continues in search of the perfect bite!.

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