8 Southern Tomato Recipes That Go Beyond Fried Green Tomatoes

Discover a symphony of flavors with our collection of 8 Southern tomato recipes that transcend the traditional fried green tomatoes. From tangy salsa to hearty gumbo, these dishes celebrate the vibrant, juicy essence of tomatoes in diverse culinary creations. Elevate your dining experience and explore the rich heritage of Southern cuisine with our handpicked recipes that promise to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a kitchen novice, our flavorful journey through these Southern tomato delights is sure to inspire and satisfy your gastronomic cravings.

8 Southern Tomato Recipes

1. Southern Tomato Gumbo:

Experience the soulful depth of Southern flavors with this hearty tomato gumbo. Begin by sautéing a holy trinity of onions, bell peppers, and celery until tender. Add diced tomatoes, okra, and a medley of spices, including thyme, oregano, and a hint of cayenne for that authentic Cajun kick. Stir in vegetable or chicken broth and simmer until the flavors meld together. Incorporate your choice of protein, whether it’s succulent shrimp, andouille sausage, or a mix of both. Serve over a bed of rice for a comforting dish that embodies the essence of the South.

Ingredients:

• 1 onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, sliced
• 3 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup sliced okra
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 pound andouille sausage, sliced
• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. To make the vegetables soft, sauté the onion, bell pepper, and celery.
2. Add diced tomatoes, okra, thyme, oregano, and cayenne. Stir well.
3. Pour in broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Add shrimp and andouille sausage. Simmer until shrimp are cooked.
5. Serve over cooked rice.

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2. Tomato Basil Bruschetta:

Elevate your appetizer game with this refreshing tomato basil bruschetta. Dice ripe tomatoes and combine them with fresh basil, minced garlic, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper. The tastes will blend better if you let the mixture sit for at least 30 minutes. Toast slices of baguette until golden brown, and generously spoon the tomato mixture over each slice. This simple yet elegant dish is perfect for summer gatherings or as a delightful prelude to a Southern-inspired feast.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Baguette, sliced and toasted

Instructions:

1. Combine tomatoes, basil, garlic, olive oil, and balsamic vinegar in a bowl.
2. Season with salt and pepper, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
3. Toast baguette slices until golden brown.
4. Spoon the tomato mixture over the toasted baguette slices.

3. Creole Tomato Salsa:

Add a zesty twist to your gatherings with Creole tomato salsa. Dice fresh tomatoes and combine them with diced red onions, green bell peppers, jalapeños, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cumin for that Creole flair. This salsa pairs perfectly with tortilla chips, grilled meats, or as a topping for tacos. Prepare this vibrant and flavorful dish to bring a touch of the Southern spice to your next fiesta.

Ingredients:

• 3 cups diced tomatoes
• 1 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cup green bell pepper, diced
• 2 jalapeños, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• Juice of 2 limes
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Pinch of cumin

Instructions:

1. Combine tomatoes, red onion, green bell pepper, jalapeños, and cilantro in a bowl.
2. Squeeze in lime juice and season with salt, pepper, and cumin.
3. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

4. Southern Tomato Pie:

Indulge in a slice of Southern comfort with a classic tomato pie. Begin by blind-baking a pie crust until golden. Layer sliced tomatoes over the crust, seasoned with salt, pepper, and fresh basil. Top with a mixture of mayonnaise and grated cheese for a rich and creamy finish. Put it in the oven and bake it until the cheese melts and turns golden brown. This savory pie is a delightful addition to brunch or a side dish for a family dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 pie crust, blind-baked
• 4 large tomatoes, sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup fresh basil, thinly sliced
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

Instructions:

1. Follow the directions on the package to blind-bake the pie crust.
2. Layer sliced tomatoes over the crust and season with salt, pepper, and basil.
3. Mix mayonnaise and cheese, then spread over the tomatoes.
4. Put it in the oven and bake it until the cheese melts and turns golden brown.

5. Tomato and Pimento Cheese Grits:

Elevate your breakfast or brunch with this Southern twist on a classic dish. Cook grits according to package instructions, stirring in a generous amount of pimento cheese for a creamy texture and a hint of smokiness. Top the cheesy grits with a medley of sautéed cherry tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, thyme, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. This savory and comforting dish is a delightful way to start your day with a taste of the South.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grits
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup pimento cheese
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• Pinch of red pepper flakes
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cook grits according to package instructions.
2. Stir in pimento cheese until smooth and creamy.
3. In a separate pan, sauté cherry tomatoes with garlic, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Serve sautéed tomatoes over the cheesy grits.

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6. Fried Green Tomato BLT:

Give the classic BLT a Southern twist by adding crispy fried green tomatoes to the mix. Slice green tomatoes, dip them in a seasoned cornmeal mixture, and fry until golden brown. Assemble your sandwich with toasted bread, mayo, crispy bacon, fresh lettuce, and, of course, the star of the show—fried green tomatoes. This sandwich combines the crunch of fried green tomatoes with the classic flavors of a BLT for a Southern-inspired lunchtime favorite.

Ingredients:

• 4 green tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 8 slices bread, toasted
• Mayonnaise, bacon, and lettuce for assembling

Instructions:

1. Mix cornmeal with paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Dip green tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture, ensuring an even coating.
3. Fry tomatoes in vegetable oil until golden brown.
4. Assemble sandwiches with toasted bread, mayo, bacon, lettuce, and fried green tomatoes.

7. Tomato and Cornbread Salad:

Celebrate the harvest season with a refreshing tomato and cornbread salad. Cube cornbread into bite-sized pieces and toast until golden. Toss the cornbread with a medley of diced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Drizzle with a vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a touch of honey. This salad is a delightful blend of textures and flavors, making it a perfect side dish for summer picnics or a light lunch option.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cornbread, cubed and toasted
• 3 cups tomatoes, diced
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon honey
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Cube cornbread and toast until golden.
2. In a large bowl, combine cornbread, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, basil, and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper.
4. Drizzle the vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine.

8. Tomato Cobbler with Cheddar Biscuits:

End your Southern tomato culinary journey on a sweet note with a savory tomato cobbler. Simmer tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cinnamon until they form a luscious filling. Top with cheddar biscuits made from a mixture of flour, baking powder, butter, and shredded cheddar cheese. Bake until the biscuits are golden and the tomato filling is bubbling. This unexpected dessert or brunch option combines the sweetness of ripe tomatoes with the comforting warmth of cheddar biscuits for a truly unique Southern treat.

Ingredients:

• 6 cups ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup milk

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven and prepare a baking dish.
2. Simmer tomatoes with sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until a thick filling forms.
3. In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder. Add the cold butter and mix it in until the dough looks like big crumbs. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese and milk.
4. Spoon the tomato filling into the baking dish and top with spoonfuls of biscuit dough.
5. Bake until the biscuits are golden brown and the tomato filling is bubbly.

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These Southern tomato recipes go beyond the expected, offering a diverse range of dishes that highlight the versatility of this beloved ingredient. Whether savory or sweet, these recipes capture the essence of Southern cuisine and are sure to become favorites in your kitchen. Enjoy the delightful journey through the vibrant world of Southern tomatoes!

Conclusion

In conclusion, these 8 Southern tomato recipes offer a delightful departure from the classic fried green tomatoes, showcasing the versatility of this beloved ingredient. Embrace the Southern culinary spirit and bring a burst of freshness to your table with these creative dishes. Transform your ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences as you savor the unique tastes and textures that each recipe has to offer. Say goodbye to culinary monotony and let the vibrant flavors of Southern tomatoes elevate your dining adventures.

FAQs

Can I substitute green tomatoes with red ones in these recipes?

Absolutely! While green tomatoes provide a unique tang, red tomatoes can be a delicious alternative, adding a sweeter note to the dishes. Try different amounts until you find the right mix for you.

Are these recipes suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, many of these recipes can be easily adapted for vegetarians. Simply replace meat ingredients with plant-based alternatives or double up on the veggies for a hearty, meat-free meal that retains all the Southern flavors.