If you're on the hunt for a mouthwatering Southern delicacy that perfectly marries crispy textures with creamy goodness, look no further than these Creole Fried Green Tomato Pimento Cheese Sandwiches! This delightful dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a symphony of flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of the South. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of love, you can whip up this savory sandwich in no time. Get ready to impress your friends and family with a recipe that boasts a crunchy exterior, a rich pimento cheese filling, and the refreshing zing of fried green tomatoes. Dive into this culinary adventure and discover why this sandwich is a must-try!
Ingredients
- 2 large green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup pimento cheese
- 2 slices of bread
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by slicing green tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds, ensuring they are firm and unripe.
- Season sliced green tomatoes with salt and pepper on both sides, creating a foundational flavor profile.
- Set up a breading station: Pour buttermilk into one shallow dish and cornmeal into another separate dish.
- Dip each tomato slice first into buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in cornmeal, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Heat oil in a large cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F, creating an ideal frying temperature.
- Carefully place breaded tomato slices into hot oil, frying 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove fried tomatoes and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping them warm.
- Spread pimento cheese generously on both bread slices, creating a rich, creamy base.
- Layer crispy fried green tomatoes onto one bread slice, creating a perfect texture contrast.
- Close sandwich, cut diagonally, and serve immediately while tomatoes remain crisp and warm.
Tips
- Choose the Right Tomatoes: Opt for firm, unripe green tomatoes to ensure they hold their shape during frying and provide that perfect tangy flavor.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the salt and pepper when seasoning your tomato slices; this step enhances the overall flavor of the sandwich.
- Create a Breading Station: Setting up a dedicated breading station with separate dishes for buttermilk and cornmeal will make the coating process smoother and less messy.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at a steady 350°F for optimal frying; this ensures your tomatoes become golden brown and crispy without absorbing too much oil.
- Drain Properly: After frying, place the tomatoes on paper towels to absorb excess oil, helping maintain their crispiness until serving.
- Assemble While Warm: For the best experience, assemble the sandwich while the fried tomatoes are still warm, allowing the pimento cheese to melt slightly for an extra creamy texture.
- Experiment with Bread: While classic white bread works beautifully, feel free to experiment with different types of bread, like sourdough or ciabatta, for added flavor and texture.
- Serve with a Side: Pair your sandwich with a refreshing side salad or pickles to balance the richness of the pimento cheese and fried tomatoes.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 620kcal
Carbohydrates: 55g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 38g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 65mg
