Fried green tomatoes are one of my favorite foods of all time—a singular southern summer pleasure. The crisp, salty crust; the tickle of acidity in the ripening tomato; the melt-in-your mouth texture—just the thought of these juicy, tangy morsels sends my taste buds dancing!
But alas, Jeff and I can’t grow tomatoes, green or otherwise, at our house, because we don’t have enough sun. So imagine my delight when, while Jeff and I were working on the front yard, my across-the-street neighbor invited me over to her garden and treated me to not only fresh cucumbers, but two gorgeous green tomatoes.
I was over the moon—the only thing I like more than fried green tomatoes is cupcakes! (Although I’m not quite as likely to go on a fried green tomato rampage as I am on a baked goods bender.) But I simply couldn’t bring myself to boil my tomatoes in oil. (Which is actually really gross when you stop and think about it.) I may fall off the wagon more than I care to admit, but I draw the line at cooking my vegetables in the most concentrated source of calories on the planet.
Luckily, there’s a better way.
Kalyn’s Kitchen to the Rescue
So I hopped online and turned up a delicious-looking—and deliciously simple—recipe for oven-fried green tomatoes. (Behold the power of the interwebs!) I found it on Kalyn’s Kitchen, and you can check out the original recipe here.
Given that I’m plant-based, I adjusted Kalyn’s recipe, swapping out eggs for flax seed and modifying some of the other ingredients to suit what I had on hand.
The result?
Deeelicious! In fact, these tomatoes capture everything I love about fried green tomatoes, minus the slippery, oily mouth-feel of the pan-fried version. Kalyn’s sneaky-awesome, crispy-crust ingredient, almond flour, really made these taste just like the original. Only better.
Also, while we’re on the subject of delectable summer treats, check back this coming Monday for a vegan chocolate milkshake—with a secret vegetable ingredient—that will transport you right back to childhood. I’ll be guest posting the recipe on Yummly.com’s blog, so stay tuned for the link and cool, creamy deliciousness!
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- 2 large green tomatoes, cut into slices a little more than ¼-inch thick
- 1 Tbsp ground flax seed
- 3 Tbsp water
- ½ c almond meal
- ½ tsp seasoned salt
- Preheat oven to 350 °F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine flax seed and water in a flat, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 45 seconds, or until texture resembles egg whites.
- In a medium bowl, mix almond meal and seasoned salt (or Mrs. Dash, for a salt-free version).
- Dredge each tomato slice first in the flax goo (it's okay if not much sticks), then in the almond meal. Be sure to press each side of the tomato slice into the almond meal so the good stuff sticks. Place on the baking sheet.
- Bake for 20 minutes, carefully flip each slice, and then bake for another 18-20 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
- Enjoy!
Shared on Slightly Indulgent Tuesdays and Gluten-Free Fridays.
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I'm Lee, an RD thriving on a healthy plant based diet.
Your version sounds great, so glad it worked for you!
Thanks again for the inspiration, Kalyn! I'm so glad I found your blog; I'll be visiting more in the future!
Oh my goodness this sounds so good!!! I have actually never had fried green tomatoes, but I am loving the fact that you baked these guys up.<br />So do you really never sautée your veggies in oil? I'm very intrigued by this.<br />And thanks for sharing your whole falling off the wagon – it makes me feel more human =)
Hi Kimmy, if you can get your hands on some green tomatoes, you should definitely try oven-frying them! (If you don't grow them yourself, you can usually beg some off of friends or make a special request at the farmers market.)<br /><br />And no, with the exception of a little cooking spray when I really need to brown something, I never sautee veggies in oil. I made the switch after reading
oh wow, what a great recipe! You're introducing me to so many new things! I've subscribed now via email 🙂
Thanks Lizzy, I'm all about the veggies! Do you grow tomatoes? And do they grow year-round near you, or do you have to wait until summer? Either way, I hope you can find some green ones soon. 🙂
I love your post! After a lifetime of eating fats and processed sugars/flours, I am trying to eat healthier. I have found seasonings and rubs that have no fillers, no msg, etc. I am going to use your recipe adding some of FlavorGod seasonings. Have you tried air frying green tomatoes. Just purchased one!