Fried Green Tomatoes with Caramelized Onions

The onions take a while so get them started first. In a large, skillet (use one with a lid) melt butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and salt. Cook, stirring, until onions begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for about 30 minutes. Stir every 10 minutes or so, and if they begin to scorch, lower the heat. By the time they’re finished, they should be medium brown in color (you could even cook them longer until they’re a caramel color) and reduced considerably. Transfer onions to a bowl. You can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for a few days. Just warm the onions when you want to use them.

Meanwhile, lay the tomato slices out on a cookie sheet and sprinkle with a bit of salt. Let them rest for about 15 minutes, then blot excess moisture from both sides of tomatoes with a paper towel. Place the buttermilk in a shallow bowl. In a separate shallow bowl, place the cornmeal and a couple big pinches of salt and pepper. Dunk each tomato slice in the buttermilk, shaking off the excess, then coat both sides in cornmeal.

Heat about 1/2-inch of oil to about 350 degrees in a medium skillet over medium high heat. (If you don’t have a thermometer, stick the end of a wooden spoon in the oil. If it bubbles almost instantly, then the oil is ready.) Working in batches, place breaded tomato slices into oil and fry for about 5-8 minutes, turning once, until both sides are golden brown. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels or a cooling rack to drain off excess oil.

(These are best eaten warm and fresh, but will keep in the fridge for about 2 days. When you are ready to reheat the leftovers, put them on a cookie sheet and warm them in a 350F for a few minutes until warmed through.)

Serve tomatoes with he caramelized onions.

Makes about 4 servings.