Fried Green Tomatoes and Pasta

Fried Green Tomatoes and Pasta Recipe from Oman - Ingredients: Tomatoes, Romano, Olive Oil, Garlic, Angel Hair Pasta

Region / culture: Oman | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Fried green tomatoes and pasta is a delicious and unique dish that combines the crispy texture of fried green tomatoes with the comforting taste of pasta. This recipe is perfect for those looking to try something new and exciting in the kitchen.

History

Fried green tomatoes have been a popular dish in the Southern United States for many years. Traditionally, green tomatoes are coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy. This recipe puts a twist on the classic dish by pairing the fried tomatoes with pasta, creating a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Slice the tomatoes to a thickness of approximately 0.5 cm. Adjust the thickness based on your frying skills. Dip the tomato slices in cream, then coat them with a mixture of bread crumbs and cheese (50% each).
In a large skillet or omelet pan, heat about 50-65 ml of olive oil until it is hot but not smoking. Note: Olive oil tends to smoke easily. Saute the garlic until it turns lightly brown. Be careful not to overcook the garlic or use too high a temperature, as it will result in an unpleasant taste. Remove the peeled and pureed garlic from the oil and discard it. Fry the tomato slices until they become crusty and lightly browned on both sides. The tomatoes should be softened but not mushy. You may need to replenish the garlic oil as you fry additional batches of green tomato slices.
Finally, combine all the cooked pasta with the remaining garlic-infused oil, ensuring that there is enough oil to coat the pasta thoroughly. If there is any cream left over, add a small amount to the pasta. Top the pasta with the fried tomato slices, a generous amount of shredded cheese, and a sprinkle of bread crumbs.

Variations

Add cooked bacon or shrimp to the pasta for extra flavor.
Use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Parmesan, for a different taste.
Add fresh herbs, such as basil or parsley, for a pop of color and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to slice the tomatoes evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.

- Be careful not to overcook the garlic, as it can become bitter.

- Use a high-quality olive oil for frying the tomatoes for the best flavor.

- Don't overcrowd the pan when frying the tomatoes to ensure they get crispy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fried green tomatoes and pasta with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the green tomatoes until crispy and golden brown is the key technique in this recipe.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use regular tomatoes instead of green tomatoes if you prefer a sweeter flavor.

Make Ahead Tips

You can bread the tomato slices ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to fry.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the fried green tomatoes and pasta on a large platter, garnished with fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese.

Pairing Recommendations

This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of fried green tomatoes and pasta contains approximately 400 calories.

Carbohydrates

The angel hair pasta in this dish is a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your body.

Fats

The olive oil used for frying the tomatoes and coating the pasta adds healthy fats to this dish.

Proteins

The cheese in this recipe adds protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.

Vitamins and minerals

Green tomatoes are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and fiber.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (cheese) and gluten (bread crumbs), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies.

Summary

Overall, this dish is a balanced meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

Fried green tomatoes and pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that combines the crispy texture of fried green tomatoes with the comforting taste of pasta. With a good balance of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Fried Green Tomatoes and Pasta. It was a warm summer afternoon, and I had just finished helping my aunt harvest the fresh produce from her garden. As we sorted through the baskets of colorful vegetables, she handed me a plump, green tomato and said, "Here, try this. It's a southern delicacy - fried green tomatoes."

I had never heard of such a thing before, but I was always eager to try new culinary creations. My aunt showed me how to slice the tomato into thick rounds, dip them in a mixture of flour and spices, and fry them in a skillet until they were golden brown and crispy. The aroma that filled the kitchen was absolutely mouth-watering.

As we sat down to eat, I took my first bite of the fried green tomato. The tangy flavor of the unripe tomato, paired with the crunchy coating, was a revelation. I couldn't believe how delicious it was. My aunt chuckled at my enthusiasm and said, "Now you know why we southerners love our fried green tomatoes so much."

From that day on, I was hooked. I started making fried green tomatoes for my family and friends, and it quickly became one of my signature dishes. But as much as I loved the simplicity and taste of this recipe, I couldn't help but think of ways to elevate it even further.

One day, while browsing through an old cookbook at the local library, I stumbled upon a recipe for Pasta with Fried Green Tomatoes. My eyes lit up with excitement as I read through the ingredients and instructions. The idea of combining two of my favorite foods - pasta and fried green tomatoes - was simply genius.

I decided to give the recipe a try, and it was a resounding success. The tender pasta, tossed with a creamy sauce and topped with crispy fried green tomatoes, was a match made in culinary heaven. My family couldn't get enough of it, and they begged me to make it again and again.

Over the years, I continued to perfect the recipe, tweaking the ingredients and techniques to suit my own tastes. I added fresh herbs and garlic to the sauce, and experimented with different types of pasta shapes to see which worked best with the fried green tomatoes.

But no matter how many times I made this dish, it always brought me back to that warm summer afternoon with my aunt, discovering the joy of fried green tomatoes for the first time. It was a nostalgic reminder of the simple pleasures of home-cooked meals and the importance of sharing food with loved ones.

To this day, whenever I make Pasta with Fried Green Tomatoes, I think of my aunt and the culinary wisdom she passed down to me. I am forever grateful for her guidance and inspiration, and for introducing me to this delicious and comforting dish. And I hope that one day, my own grandchildren will carry on the tradition of making this recipe with as much love and joy as I do.