Bacon Lettuce and Fried Green Tomato Sandwiches

My Southern Comfort Food: A Fried Green Tomato BLT Adventure

As a busy working mom, finding time to cook satisfying and delicious meals can feel like a constant uphill battle. Weekends are often a blur of errands, soccer games, and trying to squeeze in some much-needed downtime. But there are certain meals that, despite the chaos, I always find time for. One of those is a truly good sandwich. And this Bacon Lettuce and Fried Green Tomato sandwich? It's not just a sandwich; it's an experience. It's a taste of home, a reminder of lazy summer afternoons, and a surprisingly simple way to elevate a classic BLT to new heights.

The magic lies in the fried green tomatoes. Now, I know what you’re thinking: fried green tomatoes? That sounds like a lot of work. And yes, there’s a bit of a process involved – soaking the slices to remove excess moisture, double-breading for that extra-crispy coating, and frying until golden brown. But trust me, the effort is absolutely worth it. The result? Perfectly crisp, slightly tart, and incredibly flavorful tomatoes that provide a beautiful contrast to the salty bacon and creamy mayonnaise. The double-breading is key here; it's what gives them that incredible crunch that elevates this sandwich beyond the ordinary.

I’ve experimented with different types of bacon, and while regular bacon is delicious, I’ve found that pepper bacon adds a delightful smoky heat that pairs exceptionally well with the slightly tart tomatoes. Don’t be afraid to get creative here; a nice smoky bacon really complements the unique flavor profile of the fried green tomatoes. For the lettuce, I prefer to use Bibb lettuce, because of its tender, delicate leaves. However, arugula is also a fantastic choice, adding a peppery bite that balances out the richness of the bacon and mayonnaise.

The mayonnaise mixture is simple but essential: a combination of mayonnaise, lemon juice, and a dash of hot sauce. The lemon juice cuts through the richness of the bacon and mayonnaise, while the hot sauce adds a touch of warmth and spice. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your liking; I prefer a little kick, but you can easily scale it back if you prefer a milder sandwich. The toasted whole wheat bread is the perfect base, providing a sturdy foundation for all the delicious fillings.

This sandwich is surprisingly versatile. It's equally satisfying for a quick lunch, a satisfying dinner, or even a delightful weekend brunch. It's a perfect recipe to share with friends and family – the crunchy, tangy, and savory flavors will definitely be a conversation starter at your next gathering. I’ve also discovered that this sandwich makes for a great meal prep option. You can fry the green tomatoes ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, making it easy to assemble the sandwiches throughout the week. This means less cooking time during busy weeknights, and more time spent doing things I love!

More than just a quick meal, this Bacon Lettuce and Fried Green Tomato sandwich is a testament to the power of simple ingredients combined with a little bit of effort. It's a celebration of Southern flavors, a reminder of simpler times, and a delicious way to show your loved ones you care.

Beyond the Sandwich: The fried green tomatoes themselves are a delightful dish on their own. Serve them as a side dish with a simple dipping sauce, or add them to salads for a surprising textural element. They're a versatile ingredient that can add a unique flair to a variety of recipes.

Tips and Variations:

• Experiment with different types of bread: Sourdough or country bread would also be delicious.
• Add other vegetables: Slices of avocado or tomato would be a nice addition.
• Make it a gourmet sandwich: Add a smear of pesto or a slice of provolone.
• Make it a vegetarian sandwich: Replace bacon with crispy fried tofu or halloumi
• Spice it up: add some jalapeños

So, if you’re looking for a new sandwich recipe that's both delicious and satisfying, this is definitely one to try. It’s a simple recipe with a big impact; a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. I guarantee you will love this amazing sandwich as much as I do.

Step-by-step

• Place tomato slices in a large bowl; cover with hot water. Let stand 15 minutes. Drain and pat dry with paper towels.
• Combine milk and egg whites, stirring with a whisk.
• Combine cornmeal, salt and pepper in a shallow dish, stirring with a whisk.
• Dip each tomato slice in milk mixture; dredge in cornmeal mixture.
• Return tomato slices, one at a time, to milk mixture; dredge in cornmeal mixture.
• Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add half of tomato slices; cook 4 minutes on each side or until crisp and golden. Repeat procedure with remaining oil and tomato slices.
• Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice and hot sauce, stirring with a whisk.
• Build the sandwiches: Spread one side of each slice of toast with about 2 teaspoons of the mayonnaise mixture. For each sandwich, place a slice of toast on a serving plate, add lettuce to taste. Place 2 fried tomato slices over lettuce. Lay 3 to 6 bacon pieces over tomato slices, and top evenly with more lettuce, to taste. Cover with the remaining slice of toast, mayonnaise side down. Cut in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!