Name: Crispy Tomato with Marinara
Ingredients: 2-3 large tomatoes cut into ¼ inch slices; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp . salt; ½ tsp . black pepper; 2 large eggs, lightly beaten; 2 TBSP . cold water; 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs; ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tsp . dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp . lemon zest; ½ tsp . granulated garlic; 8 slices provolone cheese; 1 cup fresh basil leaves; 1/8 cup balsamic vinegar; ½ cup marinara sauce; Vegetable or Peanut oil for frying

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Stir together the first 3 ingredients on a shallow dish. In a bowl, whisk together eggs and water. In another shallow dish, combine panko and next 4 ingredients.
Season tomato slices with salt and pepper. Then dredge the tomato slices in flour mixture, dip in egg mixture, and dredge in panko mixture.
Pour oil to a depth of ¾ inch in a large skillet. Fry tomato slices in two batches, in hot oil over medium-high heat 2 to 2 ½ minutes on each side or until browned. Drain on a paper towel or wire rack.
Place tomato slices in a single layer on parchment paper-lined baking sheet; top each with 1 provolone slice and bake for 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Drizzle with balsamic vinegar and top with a basil leaf. Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Pro Tips

This can be served as a side or an appetizer. To make it an entrée, serve with a salad and pasta topped with marinara.

Crispy Tomato with Marinara