Fried Green Tomatoes (gluten-free, egg-free, vegan)

I’ve been focused on fresh fruits and vegetables the last few weeks and here’s yet another one!  Although our favorite tomato is a nice juicy red or yellow (or orange) ripe tomato, our second favorite is fried green tomatoes.  They are just so high in fat and calories that we only let ourselves indulge in them once during  the summer (well maybe two or three times depending on how many green tomatoes we have).  I’ve found, over the years, that you really don’t need to deep fry them, pan frying them works just fine and reduces the amount of oil.  Using gluten-free flour also works fine.

In a large fry pan, heat olive oil (it really is the best one for us all to eat, helps reduce our cholesterol and triglycerides).  You want the oil to be at least 1/2 inch deep in the pan.  Heat over medium heat so that it doesn’t burn.

Put in a large plastic freezer bag,

• 1/2 cup gluten-free flour mix, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1 for 1
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika

Shake vigorously to mix.  The amounts and types of seasonings for the flour can vary depending on your tastes.

Wash and slice

• 3-4 medium size green tomatoes (or 2 large)

You should end up with about 5 slices per tomato or a total of 15-18 slices which, at least in this family, feeds 2 people.

Add half the tomato slices to the flour mix, close the bag, and shake to cover the tomato slices.  Drop a bit of flour in the oil and if it sizzles, the oil is ready.  Add the slices and brown on each side approximately 5 minutes or until browned.  Remove to a platter covered with paper towels and salt.  Repeat until all the slices are fried.  Try not to stack the slices on the platter since they will then steam and get soggy.  You can place them in the over on a low heat (200 degree) to stay warm if needed if you are using a small fry pan.  I use my large 14 inch pan and can fry them all in 2 batches.  They will stay very hot on the inside for 10-15 minutes without the oven.

I haven’t tried using my air fryer for these; maybe next year!