Nouveau Fried Green Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• salt and freshly ground pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup plain dry bread crumbs
• 1/3 cup cornmeal
• 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 1 pound green tomatoes sliced 1/2-inch thick
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• generous sprinkling of white pepper
• Crème fraîche with chopped chives for serving
• Garnish with basil leaves

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, season the flour with salt and pepper.

2. Put the eggs in another medium bowl and toss the bread crumbs and grated Parmesan in a third bowl.

3. Dredge the tomato slices in the flour/cornmeal/bread crumbs/white pepper mixture, then coat them in the egg, letting any excess drip back into the bowl.

4. Coat in the bread crumbs, pressing to help them adhere.

5. In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil until shimmering.

6. Add the breaded tomatoes in a single layer and cook them over moderately high heat, turning once, until deeply golden and crisp, 5 to 6 minutes.

7. Transfer the tomato slices to paper towel—lined plates.

8. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately with Crème fraîche drizzle and a basil sprig, nice with a few of the basil flowers and tender leaves.

• Variations: Instead of white pepper use Old Bay Seasoning.