Grilled Green Tomatoes

After the hunt for green tomatoes last week I ended up with more than I needed for one meal. One of them I set out to ripen, and there were two in the fridge.

Last night we didn't get home till 11. I wasn't about to start a big cooking project at that time of night, so i went foraging in the cupboards to see what was around. Canned beans, Bread, one ripe tomato on the counter, some lettuce and two green ones in the fridge. Then came the flash of brilliance.

I pulled the good old Foreman Grill out of the cupboard, sliced those green tomatoes in 1/4 inch slices and slapped them on the grill with garlic and italian seasoning. I slapped those lovely morsels on bread with lettuce and mustard. Perfect. No pics, 'cause the good camera was at work, but yummmm!

Eggplant/Fried Green Tomato Burgers

I know, it's been a loooooong time. I had very good intentions when I started this and then life got in the way.

I've been craving burgers, not just any vegan burger, but eggplant and fried green tomatoes on a whole grain bun with all the trimmings. Nom.

We have started restricting the consumption of fried (in oil) foods to the weekend. Consesquently my cravings had to wait for the weekend. So Friday evening I started my search for the elusive green tomato.

I called every grocery store within reasonable distance, no go. I tried the little old man about 6 blocks away who always has tomatoes for sale, nada. I even called my friends (and acquaintances) who garden, bupkis. Who knew that green tomatoes could be so hard to find. I mean come on people, they are practically a religion around here!

"You, still goin' to the Church of the Pickled Okra?"

"Naw, found out they were using the premade stuff from the grocery store. We're goin' to the "Fried Green Tomato Chapel" now. You really gotta know your stuff to make those come out right"

Finally yesterday morning we were at this little hole in the wall flea market south of town. Lo and behold this one little old lady had one, count'em - ONE basket of green tomatoes left. I had found Valhalla.

These burgers that I had been craving lived up to and exceeded my expectations. If I hadn't been so lazy I would have made burger buns. Vegan burger buns it turns out are harder to find than green tomatoes. Orowheat brand sandwich thins toasted stood in nicely though.

These were so easy to do a recipe is really not necessary.

Slice your eggplant about 3/8 - 1/2 in thick. Fry with a whisper of olive oil and lots of garlic.

Mix about 3/4 c flour, 1 1/2 t italian seasoning, and 1 T nutritional yeast.

Slice tomatoes about 1/4 in thick and dredge in flour mixture. Fry in olive oil.

Place one slice eggplant and one slice fried green tomato on whole grain bun of choice, add your favorite burger toppings. Prepare to sigh, loudly and long.