On June 19, 1865, two years after President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official, enslaved people in Galveston, Texas were told they were free. Since the mid-nineteenth century, black communities across the nation have celebrated their culture, freedom, and accomplishments with a festive fete—Juneteenth. To keep the tradition, I host an annual feast with green tomatoes making the menu.
Boost the flavor with a dollop of basil goat cheese. Mix together 4 ounces goat cheese or chevre and 3 shredded fresh basil leaves. Finish with a small pinch of black pepper. Top a few tomatoes with the mixture.
Recipe information
Yield
Feeds 2–4
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Sprinkle tomato slices with 1 teaspoon salt and 1 teaspoon pepper, pour buttermilk into a shallow bowl. Place the tomatoes in and soak for 15 minutes.
Step 2
Combine ¼ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, cornmeal, flour, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes in a large bowl. Whisk well. Dredge both sides of the tomatoes in the mixture.
Step 3
Place oil in a large skillet over high heat. Heat until an instant-read thermometer reads 350°F. Carefully drop tomatoes in the oil (work in batches). Cook about a minute on each side or until golden brown. Remember to let the oil reach the 350°F mark before dropping more fritters, and don’t crowd the pan.
Step 4
Transfer to jelly roll sheet with cooling rack on top.
Recipe notes
Back to topSee Related Recipes and Cooking Tips
46 Fresh Tomato Recipes to Make While Summer Is Hot
There’s no time like summertime for tomatoes. Here’s how to make the most of it.Our 67 Best Cornmeal Recipes
Looking for cornbread, corn cake, or corn muffin recipes? You've come to the right place.55 Great Recipes for Juneteenth
Barbecue, hibiscus-tinged punch, and more.
