Fried Green Tomatoes Recipes and Other Batter Dipped Vegetables

Spur-of-the-moment get-togethers, formal dinner parties, football snacking: they all involve food, fun and fellowship. It's as traditional and American as apple pie. But what do you serve? It's easy to go to the store and buy bagged chips, pretzels, popcorn and soda, but why limit it to that? Why not try to include something a bit healthier than the traditional party food? You could serve a raw vegetable tray with a variety of dips and dressings, or you can choose a more interesting option: batter-dipped vegetables and fried green tomatoes recipes.

You want to choose firm vegetables that will hold up to being dipped in batter and deep-fried. Soft vegetables, such as ripe tomatoes, do not do well, but a firmer green tomato will do just fine. Try cutting up thick sticks of zucchini to batter fry for another all-time favorite.

Here are some excellent options for battered dipped vegetables:

• Zucchini
• Onions
• Artichokes
• Carrot slices
• Squash
• Green beans
• Red or green peppers
• Broccoli florets
• Cauliflower florets
• Eggplant
• Mushrooms
• Potatoes

To fry the vegetables, heat cooking oil in deep skillet or pan. Drop dipped vegetables into the hot oil and cook until brown on the bottom. Flip vegetables and cook for a few more seconds. Remove from oil with a slotted spoon and place on a paper-towel-lined plate to cool.

Batter Recipe

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• water

1. Mix the dry ingredients and stir thoroughly. Mix in the oil.
2. Add a little bit of water to the mix and stir. Add more water as needed. You want a medium-thick batter. You don't want it too thin or it won't stick to the vegetables.

Variations

You can add a number of things to the batter to give it a different flavor. Try adding some parmesan cheese, your favorite spices or dried parsley.