This recipe presents a delightful take on the classic fried green tomatoes, offering a vegan and gluten-free alternative. By combining fine cornmeal and chickpea flour, this dish achieves a crispy exterior while maintaining a tangy interior. A flaxseed-based binder replaces traditional eggs, and almond milk creates a buttermilk-like consistency. Enhanced with Cajun seasoning, these tomatoes are served alongside a cooling red pepper aioli that complements their bold flavors perfectly.

Key to this recipe is its adaptability to dietary restrictions without compromising taste. The process involves preparing an aioli ahead of time for optimal flavor, slicing and seasoning tomatoes, creating a "buttermilk" substitute, and frying them until golden brown. Each step ensures a harmonious blend of textures and flavors, resulting in a satisfying appetizer or main course.

Vegan Buttermilk-Coated Tomatoes

At the heart of this recipe lies the innovative use of plant-based ingredients to replicate traditional flavors. Fine cornmeal and chickpea flour form the base for coating, providing both crunch and structure. Instead of conventional binders, flaxseed mixed with water serves as an effective replacement. Almond milk combined with vinegar mimics buttermilk's tanginess, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

The preparation begins by cutting green tomatoes into even slices and lightly salting them. While they rest, the next steps involve mixing almond milk and vinegar to create a mock buttermilk solution. Meanwhile, ground flaxseed blended with water acts as the binding agent. These elements come together when each tomato slice is dipped first into the buttermilk/flaxseed mixture before being coated thoroughly in the cornmeal/chickpea flour blend. This dual approach ensures every piece emerges from the fryer with a perfectly crisp exterior.

Cajun Spices and Cooling Aioli

To elevate the dish further, spicy Cajun seasoning adds a fiery kick to the otherwise mild tomatoes. Balanced against this heat is the creamy, aromatic red pepper aioli, crafted using roasted red peppers, basil, vegan mayonnaise, and sour cream. Its vibrant color and rich taste provide an ideal counterpoint to the seasoned tomatoes.

Making the aioli requires blending all specified ingredients until smooth, then chilling it prior to serving. Once the tomatoes have been fried and placed on paper towels to absorb excess oil, they're sprinkled with kosher salt for enhanced flavor. Serving them promptly with the prepared aioli ensures maximum freshness and enjoyment. Together, these components deliver a unique dining experience that satisfies cravings while respecting dietary preferences. Whether enjoyed solo or shared among friends, this dish promises satisfaction through its thoughtful combination of ingredients and techniques.