I haven’t read the book, seen the film or eaten them. Time to put that right.
The English Flag lent itself perfectly to a cracker formation but The Stars and Stripes had me foxed. So instead I’ll be marking Independence Day with my first ever taste of Fried Green Tomatoes.
These are the green beauties bought for the occasion . French but from Whole Foods Market, Kensington High St , so American in origin (kind of).
Ingredients:
- Green tomatoes; sliced,1/4- 1/2 ” thick
- Salt and Pepper
- Milk
- Plain flour
- Beaten egg
- Cornmeal ( polenta).
- Other: Frying pan and oil for frying.
I set up a dredging production line and then seasoned and coated the green tomato slices.
First a quick dip in the milk, followed by a roll in the flour, a dunk in the egg and finally a wallow in gritty cornmeal and when all were dunked and coated, a sizzle in hot oil for 3 minutes on either side. When they were golden brown and piping hot they were ready to eat.
At first I wasn’t sure but a few slices in I began to get a taste for them and by the last mouthful had decided I will be dipping, dunking and frying again when I have homegrown tomatoes to use up ( perhaps with just a lighter touch of cornmeal ).
Maybe by then I will also be able to laugh at the price of green tomatoes when you buy them imported, on the vine , from France, from the most stunning food store. Much thanks to Ian for the shopping tip. An amazing place. Mouthwatering and Breathtaking ! A woman I passed on the way out described it best … simply as…. Mmmmmmmmmm ! Well worth a trip.
Stars and Strips by Robert Scarth
