You aren't really from the South, unless you've had this in your life!

The Southern Fried BLT is a delightful twist on the classic BLT, bringing the rich, comforting flavors of Southern cuisine to a beloved sandwich. This dish combines crispy fried green tomatoes with the traditional bacon, lettuce, and tomato, creating a satisfying texture contrast that's sure to please. Originating from the Southern United States, fried green tomatoes are a staple of comfort food, and incorporating them into a BLT offers a crispy, tangy bite that elevates the sandwich. You might want to make this to experience a fusion of flavors and textures in a simple yet hearty meal.

This Southern Fried BLT pairs wonderfully with sides like sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a refreshing cucumber salad. A glass of iced tea or lemonade complements the Southern flair of the meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside a cup of creamy tomato soup or a bowl of Southern-style potato salad. The combination of hot, crispy elements with cool, creamy sides creates a well-rounded and gratifying dining experience.

Servings: 4

4 large green tomatoes, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Vegetable oil for frying
8 slices thick-cut bacon
8 slices of rustic bread, toasted
8 leaves of romaine lettuce
1 large ripe tomato, sliced
Mayonnaise, for spreading

1. Start by soaking the green tomato slices in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.

2. In a shallow dish, mix together the cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and Cajun seasoning.

3. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.

4. Dredge each tomato slice in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring a good coating, then carefully place in the hot oil.

5. Fry the tomatoes until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.

6. In another skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then drain on paper towels.

7. To assemble the sandwiches, spread mayonnaise on one side of each toasted bread slice.

8. Layer with fried green tomatoes, bacon, lettuce, and ripe tomato slices.

9. Top with the remaining slice of bread, mayo-side down. Serve immediately and enjoy!

For a spicier kick, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayonnaise before spreading it on the bread. You can also substitute bacon with turkey bacon or a vegetarian bacon alternative if you prefer. If you can't find green tomatoes, firm red tomatoes can be used. For an added burst of flavor, consider using a flavored mayonnaise such as garlic aioli or chipotle mayo.