Green tomatoes are by definition under-ripe and are therefore, firmer and more dense than riper, red tomatoes. They lend themselves perfectly to be coated and fried to bring additional texture and weight to the dish and Chef Christina Machamer’s “Come Back” dipping sauce offers complexity and spice notes to further elevate it. The Frank Family Lady Edythe Reserve Brut is the perfect wine to complement this plate. Its crisp acidity, clean profile, and creamy mouthfeel balances the fried tomato without overpowering or becoming lost next to it. Enjoy this southern staple with a Napa Valley twist!
Ingredients: Fried Green Tomato
2 each
Unripe green tomatoes
1/2 Cup
Wondra flour, divided
1 Tablespoon
Salt
1/4 Teaspoon
Pepper
1/2 Teaspoon
Sweet Paprika
1/2 Teaspoon
Garlic salt
Dash
Cayenne
Pinch
Sugar
2/3 Cup
Buttermilk
1 each
Large egg
1 1/2 Teaspoon
Franks Hot Sauce
2/3 Cup
Ground Ritz Crackers
1/2 Cup
Canola Oil
Method: Fried Green Tomato
Slice tomatoes 1/4” thick, discarding the ends.
Make seasoned flour by combining 1/4 cup Wondra with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic salt, cayenne, and sugar. Mix well to combine and place in a small container.
Whisk together buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce then place in a small container.
Mix 1/4C Wondra with Ritz Cracker Crumbs and place in a small container.
Bread the tomatoes by coating well in flour, then buttermilk and egg mixture, then ritz cracker crumbs and make sure the tomato is fully coated.
Heat oil over medium high heat in a large cast iron pan or set a home fryer to 350 degrees. Fry tomatoes until golden brown and place on a plate lined with papertowel. Sprinkle with salt if desired.
Ingredients: “Come Back Sauce”
1/2 Cup
Duke’s Mayonnaise
1 1/2 Teaspoon
Chopped parsley
1 1/2 Teaspoon
Chopped cilantro
2 Tablspoons
Ketchup
2 Tablspoons
Franks Hot Sauce or Sriracha
1 Tablspoon
Worcestershire Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon
Garlic salt
1/2 Teaspoon
Salt
1/4 Teaspoon
Ground black pepper
To taste
Fresh lemon juice
Method: “Come Back Sauce”
Mix well to combine, and adjust flavor with lemon juice if desired.
Marisa Murray is the lead writer and editor for the Frank Family blog and magazine. As the winery’s Brand Manager, she holds an MBA in Wine Marketing and Management from the Bordeaux International Wine Institute as well as a WSET III certification. Marisa is also an avid photographer, passionate traveler, and published writer.
Our family's interest in wine has grown from a passion into a business. What started as just 200 cases in 1993 has grown to become a renowned flagship winery in Napa Valley.
