Perfect Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients

Contains: milk, wheat (auto-detected from the ingredients and method; we can miss things, so check labels)

• 4 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch slices
• salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons salt, divided
• 2 teaspoons ground black pepper, divided
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 cups canola oil, or as needed
• Cajun Ranch Sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 2 teaspoons hot pepper sauce

Directions

Method written by CompKitchen from the ingredient list. Not the original author's method, not kitchen-tested.

1. Make the Cajun Ranch Sauce by stirring the ranch dressing, Cajun seasoning and hot pepper sauce together in a small bowl, then refrigerate until serving.

2. Pat the green tomato slices dry and season both sides with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

3. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the flour, cornmeal, 1 teaspoon of the salt, 1 teaspoon of the black pepper, the dried parsley, paprika and cayenne pepper.

4. Heat canola oil in a heavy skillet to about 1/2 inch deep over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Add more oil as needed during frying.

5. Dip each tomato slice into the buttermilk, then press it into the cornmeal mixture to coat, shaking off any excess.

6. Fry the coated slices in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle lightly with the remaining salt and pepper.

7. Serve the fried green tomatoes hot with the chilled Cajun Ranch Sauce for dipping.