Why wait for tomatoes to turn red, when they’re so tasty fried up green?Even if you don’t have your own tomato plants to plunder before they ripen, most farmers are happy to sell you green tomatoes if you ask.Green tomatoes have a slightly tart flavor and a firm texture. This recipe combines the best of a BLT with the crunchy, oily goodness of fried green tomatoes. When frying green tomatoes, you’re aiming for a light, crunchy breading, not deep fried.Cooking the bacon first should leave enough fat in the pan to fry the tomatoes in. If not, just add a bit of vegetable or canola oil. To make the sandwich extra decadent, add slices of avocado after it comes out of the oven.

OPEN-FACE FRIED GREEN TOMATO SANDWICHES

Yield: 2 servings

4 strips bacon2 tablespoons all-purpose flour1 cup cornmeal1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper1/8 teaspoon paprika1 teaspoon salt2 medium green tomatoes, each cut into 3 thick slices2 tablespoons mayonnaise1 (6-inch) baguette, split lengthwise1 cup baby spinach1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Procedure:1. In large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon until crisp, about 5 minutes. Transfer to paper towels to drain. Reserve skillet, along with any rendered bacon fat in it, for use later.2. In shallow bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, black pepper, cayenne, paprika and salt. One at a time, dredge tomato slices through flour mixture to lightly coat both sides.3. Return skillet to stove over medium-high heat. When bacon fat is hot, add tomato slices and fry until lightly browned on both sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Set aside on paper towels to drain.4. Preheat oven to broil5. Spread 1 tablespoon mayonnaise over cut side of each half of the baguette. Place baguette halves on baking sheet, then top with spinach, fried tomato slices and cheese. Crumble 2 strips bacon over each sandwich.6. Broil on bottom rack of oven just until the cheese is melted, about 1 minute.

Nutrition data per serving: 462 calories; 154 calories from fat; 17 g fat (8 g saturated; 0 g trans fats); 43 mg cholesterol; 60 g carbohydrate; 21 g protein; 7 g fiber; 1,353 mg sodium.

This memorable Open-face Fried Green Tomato Sandwich has a satisfying, crunchy texture that will help pass the time waiting for the crop to turn red. Photo by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS