Fried Green Tomato Sandwich

SERVINGS: 4 sandwiches

INGREDIENTS:

Sandwich

• 1 green tomato
• 2 cups cornmeal
• 1 cup flour
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Cooking oil, for frying
• Sharp cheddar slices
• Baby arugula
• Hamburger buns

Garlic Aioli

• 1 cup mayo
• 1/3 cup Dijon mustard
• 3 cloves garlic, minced finely
• 1 tbsp. lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fill two mixing bowls--one with buttermilk, salt, and pepper; the other with cornmeal, flour, garlic power, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
2. Slice green tomato into four thick slices (remove the heels and the stem).
3. Dredge the tomato slices in the buttermilk, then in the cornmeal mixture. Then, repeat the process.
4. Fry tomato slices in a pot filled with cooking oil on medium heat. Cook until golden brown, around 5 minutes. Drain slices on a plate with a paper towel.
5. Mix together aioli ingredients in a bowl.
6. Toast hamburger buns and lay a slice of cheese on one side of each bun while the bread is still warm (so the cheese melts).
7. Spread aioli on the other side of the bun.
8. Layer on a fried tomato and a handful of baby arugula.