Green Tomato BLT: A Crispy, Tangy Twist on the Classic Sandwich
Growing up in the South, summer meant two things: the sweltering heat and the arrival of fresh produce from our garden. One of my fondest memories is of my grandmother teaching me how to make her famous BLT, but with a twist—she used green tomatoes instead of the usual red ones. This recipe not only brings back those cherished moments but also adds a delightful crunch and tang that elevates the classic sandwich to new heights.
What Makes It Special
This Green Tomato BLT stands out for several reasons:
- Unique Flavor: The tartness of green tomatoes contrasts beautifully with the salty bacon and creamy mayonnaise.
- Texture Galore: The crispy fried green tomatoes add a satisfying crunch that you won’t find in a traditional BLT.
- Seasonal Delight: This recipe is perfect for late summer when green tomatoes are in abundance, allowing you to make the most of your garden harvest.
Gather Your Ingredients
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4
- 4 slices of thick-cut bacon
- 2 medium green tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 4 slices of your favorite bread
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Fresh lettuce leaves
- Salt and pepper to taste
Let’s Get Cooking
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Start by frying the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and place on paper towels to drain.
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In a shallow bowl, soak the green tomato slices in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
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While the tomatoes are soaking, prepare the cornmeal mixture by seasoning it with salt and pepper.
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Heat oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge the soaked tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring they are well-coated.
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Fry the tomatoes in the hot oil until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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Toast the bread slices until golden brown. Spread mayonnaise on one side of each slice.
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Assemble your sandwich: layer lettuce, crispy bacon, and fried green tomatoes on one slice of bread, then top with another slice, mayonnaise side down.
My Pro Tips
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For an extra kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread.
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If you want to make it a bit healthier, try using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
What to Serve With It
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- A refreshing cucumber salad
- Iced tea or lemonade
FAQs
Q: Can I use red tomatoes instead of green?
A: While you can use red tomatoes, the unique tanginess of green tomatoes is what makes this recipe special!
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Assemble the sandwich fresh when ready to eat.
The Heart of the Dish
This Green Tomato BLT is more than just a sandwich; it’s a celebration of summer and a nod to cherished family traditions. Each bite is a reminder of the laughter shared in the kitchen and the joy of cooking with loved ones. I hope this recipe brings you as much happiness as it has brought me.
Your Turn
I invite you to try this recipe and make it your own! Feel free to experiment with different ingredients or share your own twists. I’d love to hear how your Green Tomato BLT turns out!
Green Tomato BLT: A Crispy, Tangy Twist on the Classic Sandwich
Ingredients
- 4 slices of bacon
- 2 medium green tomatoes, sliced
- 4 slices of bread (your choice)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce leaves
- Sweet potato fries
- Coleslaw
- A refreshing cucumber salad
- Iced tea or lemonade
Instructions
- Cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In the same skillet, add the slices of green tomato and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are slightly tender.
- Mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
- Toast the bread slices until golden brown.
- Spread the mayonnaise mixture on one side of each slice of bread.
- Layer lettuce, cooked bacon, and fried green tomatoes on two slices of bread. Top with the other two slices.
- Cut the sandwiches in half and serve with sweet potato fries, coleslaw, and cucumber salad.
- Enjoy with a glass of iced tea or lemonade.
Nutrition Information
