Fried Green Tomatoes with Cajun Ranch Dipping Sauce

I love fried green tomatoes. It's not something that I eat often, and when I found the sole green tomato in my 10 gallon bucket I couldn't be happier. I knew it was only going to yield but a "taste" of them, but I had to make them. I had never made them before--I had only eaten them when I was out at a restaurant, and most recently this past year in New Orleans where I had the most amazing Fried Green Tomatoes at NOLA, Emeril Lagasses first restaurant. I had been craving them ever since and was hopeful I could attempt to recreate the master piece of a dish I had earlier consumed while traveling.  I found two recipes I liked, The Neelys and Paula Deen's recipe. I spliced the two recipes to make my own! My husband has had fried green tomatoes once before and he wasn't a big fan of them. He had one bite of mine and he was in love! Unfortunately, I only had one green tomato and one tomato that was under-ripe so I gave that one a try too. Ultimately, the under-ripe pinkish tomato didn't work (which I had a feeling it wouldn't work). We both had two slices of fried green tomato heaven! lol. My recipe is for my one tomato but if you have more tomatoes then just double up the recipe! 

Source: Katie Original
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3-5 minutes
Servings: 2

• Ingredients:
• Oil for deep fryer
• 1 green tomatoes, cut into 1/4-inch rings
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 tbsp cajun seasoning

Directions:
1. In a deep-fryer, preheat oil to 350 degrees F.
2. Season tomatoes, on both sides, with salt and pepper. Let them sit aside for a few minutes while the water starts to come out of them.  

3. Place flour, garlic powder, and cajun seasoning in a shallow dish. In another shallow dish, beat the egg with the milk. 
4. Pat the tomatoes dry and then dredge tomatoes through the flour, then the egg wash, and then back in the flour mixture. 
5. Add only a few pieces to the fryer at a time, so they can cook evenly, about 3 to 5 minutes (depending on your deep fryer). Drain on paper towels and serve with Cajun Ranch dipping sauce.


Cajun Ranch Dipping Sauce:
Mix a 1/4 cup of ranch dressing with one tablespoon of cajun seasoning. Refrigerate until ready to serve alongside the fried green tomatoes.