Fried Green Tomato Recipe & Wine Pairing

Green tomatoes are by definition under-ripe and are therefore, firmer and more dense than riper, red tomatoes. They lend themselves perfectly to be coated and fried to bring additional texture and weight to the dish and Chef Christina Machamer’s “Come Back” dipping sauce offers complexity and spice notes to further elevate it. The Frank Family Lady Edythe Reserve Brut is the perfect wine to complement this plate. Its crisp acidity, clean profile, and creamy mouthfeel balances the fried tomato without overpowering or becoming lost next to it. Enjoy this southern staple with a Napa Valley twist!

Ingredients: Fried Green Tomato

2 eachUnripe green tomatoes
1/2 CupWondra flour, divided
1 TablespoonSalt
1/4 TeaspoonPepper
1/2 TeaspoonSweet Paprika
1/2 TeaspoonGarlic salt
DashCayenne
PinchSugar
2/3 CupButtermilk
1 eachLarge egg
1 1/2 TeaspoonFranks Hot Sauce
2/3 CupGround Ritz Crackers
1/2 CupCanola Oil

Method: Fried Green Tomato

  1. Slice tomatoes 1/4” thick, discarding the ends.
  2. Make seasoned flour by combining 1/4 cup Wondra with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne, and sugar. Mix well to combine and place in a small container.
  3. Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce then place in a small container.
  4. Mix 1/4C Wondra with Ritz Cracker Crumbs and place in a small container.
  5. Bread the tomatoes by coating well in flour, then buttermilk and egg mixture, then ritz cracker crumbs and make sure the tomato is fully coated.
  6. Heat oil over medium high heat in a large cast iron pan or set a home fryer to 350 degrees. Fry tomatoes until golden brown and place on a plate lined with papertowel. Sprinkle with salt if desired.

Ingredients: “Come Back Sauce”

1/2 CupDuke’s Mayonnaise
1 1/2 TeaspoonChopped parsley
1 1/2 TeaspoonChopped cilantro
2 TablspoonsKetchup
2 TablspoonsFranks Hot Sauce or Sriracha
1 TablspoonWorcestershire Sauce
1/2 TeaspoonGarlic salt
1/2 TeaspoonSalt
1/4 TeaspoonGround black pepper
To tasteFresh lemon juice

Method: “Come Back Sauce”

  1. Mix well to combine, and adjust flavor with lemon juice if desired.