"Unfried" Green Tomatoes

One of the legendary movies of all times, "Fried Green Tomatoes" acquainted people from all over the world to a classic southern summer treat.  No one can resist a platter of hot crispy fried green tomatoes.  There is nothing like them!  But, for those of us battling high cholesterol or watching our weight, they are off limits.  However, I recently discovered a method of making the dish without added fat.  Here's how....

First, slice approximately four or five green tomatoes in quarter inch slices.  Salt and pepper both sides.  Then, set up an assembly line with the following items:  one saucer with plain all purpose flour, one bowl of buttermilk, and one saucer with panko breadcrumbs.   To bake, you will need to line a cookie sheet with a sheet of parchment paper.  On top of the parchment paper, set a cooling rack.    Next, preheat the oven to 425 degrees.   Get out a can of non-stick cooking spray and you are ready to assemble the tomatoes.

Take each slice of tomato and dredge both sides first with flour, then dip both sides in buttermilk and then coat both sides of the slices in the panko crumbs.  Holding the prepared slice in your hand, spray the top of the  slice with cooking spray and then flip over and set on the cooling rack atop the cookie sheet.  Once all the slices are atop the cooling rack, spray the tops with cooking spray.   That way, both sides are sprayed with the cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Bake for about 20 - 25 minutes, flipping the slices over after about 15 minutes.  They will begin to brown slightly.  Watch so they don't burn. 

I think your family will love them.  Dieters will find them delightful and as a side point, they are great when re-heated the next day!

Kathy Reets - Co-founder and Owner