Golden Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches

Immerse yourself in the flavors of the South with our Crispy Southern Delight: Golden Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches. This recipe showcases the tartness of green tomatoes, complemented by a crunchy exterior, creamy cheese, and fresh arugula, all lovingly stacked between perfectly toasted slices of bread. Perfect for lunch or dinner, this delicious sandwich captures the essence of Southern cuisine and invites you to enjoy a taste of tradition in every bite.

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Ingredients

4 medium green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

2 large eggs, beaten

1/2 cup buttermilk

Vegetable oil, for frying

4 slices of your choice of bread (sourdough or ciabatta work beautifully)

4 slices of sharp cheddar cheese or your favorite cheese

A generous handful of fresh arugula, for topping

Optional: Hot sauce or remoulade for serving

Instructions

Prepare the Tomatoes: Start by arranging the sliced green tomatoes on a layer of paper towels. Sprinkle a pinch of salt evenly on both sides of the slices. Allow them to rest for 15-20 minutes; this process draws out excess moisture. Afterward, use additional paper towels to pat the slices dry, ensuring they are ready for frying.

Set Up Bread Station: Create a breading station by placing the all-purpose flour in one shallow bowl. In a second bowl, combine the cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and a generous pinch of salt and black pepper. In a third bowl, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together until they're fully combined and smooth.

Bread the Tomatoes: Take each tomato slice and dredge it in the flour first, shaking off any excess flour. Next, dip the slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll the slice in the cornmeal mixture, pressing down gently to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process for all the tomato slices.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, pour in enough vegetable oil to create a depth of about 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers and reaches about 350°F (175°C) — watch carefully to avoid burning.

Fry the Tomatoes: Carefully add the breaded tomato slices to the hot oil, working in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry each piece for 2-3 minutes on each side or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and crispiness. Once cooked, transfer the fried tomatoes to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil.

Assemble the Sandwiches: Toast the slices of bread in the same skillet (drain any leftover oil) or in a toaster until they are golden brown and crisp. On one slice of toasted bread, layer a piece of fried green tomato, followed by a slice of cheese, and a handful of fresh arugula. Finish with another slice of toasted bread to complete the sandwich.

Serve: Slice the sandwiches in half and serve while they're warm. For an extra kick, consider drizzling with hot sauce or serving a dollop of remoulade on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 2

- Presentation Tips: Serve the sandwiches on a rustic wooden board with a side of arugula. Garnish with extra slices of tomatoes or a few drops of hot sauce for an eye-catching display!