Chef Eric Wells
Celebrate the flavors of the season with Chef Wells’ take on a Southern classic—fried green tomatoes! Crispy on the outside, tangy and tender on the inside, this dish is bursting with bold, fresh flavor. Check out the recipe below and bring a taste of summer to your own kitchen.
Don’t forget to join us on the first Friday of every month from 12–1 PM at the Fairfax Market Café, where Chef Wells serves up a brand-new seasonal creation using the freshest ingredients from Fairfax Market. Stop in, enjoy a sample, and get inspired!
Ingredients
2 large green tomatoes, cleaned and sliced
Salt
Pepper
1 cup buttermilk
1 ½ cup cornmeal
1 ½ cup flour
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 cups canola oil
1 cup balsamic vinegar
¼ cup brown sugar
¼ cup honey
1 ball fresh mozzarella, sliced
Basil leaves, torn
Equipment
Shallow bowl
Large bowl
Whisk
Small saucepot
Spoons
Tongs
Cast iron skillet (or nonstick)
Instructions
Season tomatoes with salt and pepper. Placed seasoned tomatoes in a shallow bowl and pour in buttermilk. Soak tomatoes for about 15 minutes. Combine cornmeal, flour, onion powder, garlic powder and cayenne in a separate shallow bowl. Whisk well. Dredge tomatoes in cornmeal mixture and set aside.
In a small saucepan, add balsamic vinegar, brown sugar and honey. Heat saucepan over medium heat until mixture has reduced, stirring often. Set aside to thicken.
Meanwhile, heat oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat. When oil is hot, slowly add battered tomatoes. Fry tomatoes for about 1 minute on each side. When crisp and golden brown, remove tomatoes and place on a plate covered with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt.
Assemble Caprese by placing one slice of mozzarella between two tomatoes on each plate. Drizzle each plate with balsamic glaze and top with torn basil.
About Chef Eric Wells
Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Chef Eric has always enjoyed cooking. As a youth, his mother taught him the magic of pairing different ingredients, spices and herbs to create marvelous dishes. Before she passed in 2003, Chef Eric promised his mother that he would take his passion for food and make it his career of choice.
Skye La Rae’s Culinary Services
Skye LaRae's is Northeast Ohio's premier private chef company. We specialize in creating culinary experiences. We do Intimate Dinners for Two, Dinner Parties, Cooking Classes, Hors d'oeuvres Gatherings and and Catered Events. Since 2004, Skye LaRae's has provided thousands of clients first-class service, wonderful food and amazing experiences!
Service. Food. Experience. What Skye LaRae's is all about!