Fried Green Tomato Sandwich

Here is my take on the southern Fried Green Tomato.

Fried tomato:

Firm green mature tomato - 2 (sliced thick)
Flour - 1 cup
Cayenne pepper pd - 1/4 tsp
Black pepper - 1/4 tsp
Buttermilk - 1 cup
salt to taste

Sprinkle tomato slices with a little salt. Arrange on paper towels and leave for half an hour. The salt draws out the moisture. Blot with paper towels.

Add black pepper, cayenne & salt to the flour and set aside. Pour the buttermilk into a bowl. Dip the tomato slices in buttermilk. Dredge the slices in the flour mixture.

Pour quarter of an inch of oil into a heavy frying pan. When the oil heats up, fry the dredged tomato slices turning to get an even golden brown color on each side.

Pesto:

fresh basil leaves - 1 cup
grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tbsp
pine nuts - 1/4 cup
garlic clove - 1
extra virgin olive oil - 1/4 cup
salt to taste

Blend basil leaves, olive oil, garlic clove, and Parmesan cheese. You should have a nice thick paste. Add more olive oil if needed to adjust consistency.

Sandwich:

Sandwich bread (any kind, I use a crusty baguette)
Fresh Mozzarella cheese or Monterrey Jack cheese
Lettuce leaves


Slice the bread into half. Liberally slather with pesto sauce. Arrange the fried tomato slices, slices of cheese, and lettuce leaves. Sprinkle with a few pine nuts. Enjoy!!