Fried Green Tomatoes

Though fried green tomatoes are commonly thought of as a Southern staple, they were actually an invention of 19th-century Northern farmers who would pick the remaining green tomatoes from their vines before first frost.

4 large, firm green tomatoes, cut crosswise into ½" thick slices
coarse sea salt
pepper, freshly cracked
1 cup yellow cornmeal, preferably stone ground
½ tsp. bittersweet pimenton or cayenne pepper
2 large eggs
½ cup vegetable oil, for frying

Season tomatoes with salt and pepper. Mix together cornmeal and pimenton in a bowl. Lightly beat eggs in another bowl.

Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Dip tomatoes in egg, and dredge in cornmeal mixture. Working in batches, fry tomatoes in a single layer until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Let drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.

Makes about 20.