Fried Green Tomato "Burgers" with Herbed Chèvre and Balsamic
As written, this recipe makes enough tomatoes for 6 burgers. We made 6 and only had 2 burgers. We'll eat the others reheated in the toaster oven either on another sandwich or just by themselves.
6large half inch thick slices of green tomato(from two large tomatoes. Don't use the ends for this, just "center cuts")
For Frying
Enough solid shortening or peanut oil to reach a 1/2" depth in a cast iron skillet or other heavy skillet
Sammich Fixin's
6pretzel rolls, split and toasted
12ozof your favorite chèvre
lettuce/tender greens of your choice(I used an organic spring mix)
good quality balsamic vinegar(an infused one is nice)
good quality extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
For the Tomatoes
You're going to be setting up a 3-pan frying station.
For station 1, combine the flour, salt, pepper, Old Bay and paprika. Spread out on a large plate or a rectangular baker. Set aside.
For station 2, whisk buttermilk and egg together in a bowl. Set aside.
For station 3, combine cornmeal, panko, salt, Old Bay and paprika. Set aside.
Have a rack set up where you can place your breaded tomatoes.
For each slice of tomato, dredge in the flour mixture and knock off the excess. It will stick in a thin coat on the cut sides but not so much on the edges. Worry not.
Dip floured slice into the buttermilk mixture, making sure to coat both sides and the edges evenly. Let some of the excess drip back into the dish.
Place the buttermilked tomato slice in the panko mixture and pack it onto the top, patting it down in a layer about 1/8" thick. Make sure to roll the edges in the breading as well.
Place on the rack to let the coating set up.
Repeat with the remaining tomato slices.
For Frying
Once all the tomatoes are breaded, let them sit about ten minutes.
In the meantime, heat the oil or shortening in the skillet to 350F.
Carefully place each tomato slice in the oil. Do not crowd the pan and don't let the tomatoes touch each other. I was able to fry 3 slices at a time.
Fry for 2-3 minutes on the first side, until deep golden brown.
Turn and fry another 2 minutes or so until that side is also deep golden brown. Remove to drain on paper towels. Repeat until all the tomato slices are cooked.
To Make the Sandwiches
Spread about 1 ounce of goat cheese on both the top and bottom toasted bun.
Top with a good-sized handful of lettuce or greens and then place a fried green tomato on top. Drizzle each tomato with about 1-2 teaspoons each of balsamic and olive oil.
Top with the top half of the bun.
Enjoy.
Notes
If you can't find Old Bay, use your favorite crab boil mix or Cajun seasoning blend. Old Bay is also available online through Amazon and I'm sure through other online grocers as well.