At Dairy Dip Diner, we take pride in preserving the rich culinary heritage of the South. Our journey began in 1952 with our first location in Mulberry, Arkansas. Over the years, we have continued to delight locals and visitors alike by upholding the timeless charm of 50s-style diners in the heart of the South. Our commitment to quality and flavors has led us to open another cherished location in Van Buren, Arkansas, ensuring that more people can savor the taste of authentic Southern cuisine.
Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern Classic with Surprising Origins
Fried green tomatoes have become synonymous with Southern cooking, but their history might surprise you. This beloved dish was not native to the South. In fact, it was brought to the US in the 19th century by Jewish immigrants and appeared in Northeastern and Midwestern cookbooks. It wasn’t until later, after the release of “Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café” book and movie duo, that this dish gained popularity in the South. Nevertheless, there’s no denying that fried green tomatoes have found a cherished place in the hearts and palates of the Lowcountry.
Recipe: Fried Green Tomatoes to Delight Your Taste Buds
Ingredients:
– 6 green tomatoes
– 2 eggs
– 200 g breadcrumbs
– 200 g milk
– 100 g all-purpose or white cornflour
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 3 tbsp. bacon fat (or 3 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil)
Step-by-Step:
- Wash, pat dry, and slice the green tomatoes horizontally. If they are slightly watery, dab them with a paper towel.
- Beat the eggs with ground pepper. Bring the bacon fat/olive oil to frying temperature (160°C) in a pan.
- Dredge the tomatoes in a thin layer of flour, sprinkle them with more flour, shake to remove excess, and dip them into the beaten eggs.
- Coat them generously with breadcrumbs.
- Fry the tomato slices until golden on both sides.
- Drain with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel to absorb the excess grease.
- Prepare a delicious sauce by adding flour to the remaining fat in the pan and dissolving it. Then add lukewarm milk, stirring until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper and pour it over the fried green tomatoes.
- Serve the preparation piping hot!
Classic Southern Fried Chicken: A Timeless Delight
When it comes to Southern favorites, few dishes can compare to the classic fried chicken. Surprisingly, the history of fried chicken is much older than we might think. Its origins can be traced back thousands of years to places like China, the Middle East, and West Africa. However, the version we adore today has a more recent history. English cook Hannah Glasse published the first recipe for fried chicken in 1747. Since then, it has become an iconic dish of American restaurant food.
Recipe: Irresistible Classic Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups milk
– 2 large eggs
– 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons salt, plus additional for sprinkling
– 2 teaspoons black pepper
– 4 pounds bone-in skin-on chicken pieces
– Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step:
- In a medium bowl, combine the milk and eggs, whisking them together.
- Mix the flour, salt, and black pepper in a large resealable plastic food storage bag.
- Dip the chicken pieces in the milk and egg mixture and then coat them thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep, heavy skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the chicken pieces in batches for about 10 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
- Remove the chicken pieces and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Sprinkle with salt while they are still warm to enhance the flavors.
- Keep the fried chicken warm in the oven while you fry subsequent batches.
Chicken-Fried Steak: A Texas National Treasure
Chicken-fried steak, crowned as the national treasure of Texas, is a dish that warms the hearts and souls of many. This delectable creation involves tenderized beef steak that’s breaded, fried, and topped with a luscious pepper-cream gravy or old-fashioned red-eye gravy. While its exact origins are debated, evidence suggests that it traveled with German immigrants to Texas in the mid-1800s. Since then, it has become an icon of American restaurant food and holds a special place in the hearts of many.
Recipe: Indulge in the Legendary Chicken-Fried Steak
Ingredients:
– 4 (1/2 pound) beef cube steaks
– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon black pepper
– 3/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
– 1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco™)
– 1 large egg
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups vegetable shortening for frying
– 4 cups milk
– Kosher salt and ground black pepper to taste
Step-by-Step:
- Pound the steaks between two layers of plastic to a thickness of 1/4 inch.
- Place 2 cups of flour in a shallow bowl.
- Mix the remaining 1/4 cup flour with baking powder, baking soda, black pepper, and 3/4 teaspoon salt in another shallow bowl.
- Add buttermilk, hot pepper sauce, egg, and minced garlic to the flour mixture, stirring to combine.
- Heat shortening in a deep cast-iron skillet to 325°F (165°C).
- Dip each steak in flour to coat, then into the buttermilk batter, and back into the flour to coat thoroughly.
- Fry the breaded steaks until evenly golden brown, about 3 to 5 minutes per side.
- Transfer the fried steaks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain and sprinkle with salt.
- Drain the excess fat from the skillet, reserving 1/4 cup of the liquid and solids.
- Return the skillet to medium-low heat and add the reserved oil. Whisk the remaining 1/4 cup flour into the oil to create a roux.
- Stir in milk, increase the heat to medium, and bring the gravy to a simmer. Cook, stirring often, until thickened, about 6 to 7 minutes.
- Season the gravy with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Place the fried steaks on a platter and pour the gravy over them.
- Serve the chicken-fried steak with all the fixings and bask in the flavors of Texas.
Discover the Best in Southern-Style Diner Food
At Dairy Dip Diner, we invite you to embark on a culinary journey through Southern meals’ rich history and flavors. From the timeless delights of classic fried chicken and the iconic chicken-fried steak, our menu offers a taste of true Southern comfort. Visit our Mulberry and Van Buren, Arkansas locations, and indulge in the best Southern-style diner food. Our friendly staff and charming atmosphere await you, so come on and experience Dairy Dip Diner’s magic. We can’t wait to serve you!