It has been almost fifteen years ago since my spicy story began. At least three days a week, I went to different restaurants in the Jackson, Mississippi metro area in search of the best fried green tomatoes AND the best Comeback sauce. While I do not have access to a formal story on the history of Comeback sauce, my assumption has always been it was aptly named because we Southerners tend to say, “Y’all come back for more,” which is exactly what I want to do when I have some really good Comeback.
Comeback is a condiment. I have used it as a salad dressing or as a dip for French fries and vegetables. There are as many variations of Comeback sauce as the preparer. Personally, I believe that the secret to great Comeback is the use of chili sauce. It is the secret ingredient. Now the cat is out of the bag.
While the primary ingredient is mayonnaise, the other ingredients are important, too. A little minced onion, tabasco, lemon juice, Worcestershire, paprika, and/or finely minced garlic, are all good but not all are necessary. However, one cannot forget the chili sauce. It is the make or break ingredient.
As I write, I am getting more and more of a craving for my all-time favorite food, fried green tomatoes, which are a delicacy in their own right.
For incredible fried green tomatoes, the tomatoes must be freshly picked. The best ones come right out of the garden. After they are washed, I cut them into ¼” slices, dip them in a little egg wash or milk, coat them with seasoned fish fry, then drop them one by one in very hot vegetable oil. Turn them over once. When they are golden brown, remove them from the grease and let them drain on a paper towel.
Don’t let them sit on that paper towel for very long. You should have already scooped a couple of spoonsful of cold Comeback into a small bowl. Dip your green tomato in the spicy Comeback and allow your tastebuds to do the talking.
And that, my friends, is the best eating on the planet. If you don’t believe me, try some for yourself.
Sarah’s Comeback Sauce:
2 cups mayo
¾ cup chili sauce
2 Tbs Worcestershire
½ cup sweet pickle relish
¼ cup catsup
½ tsp cayenne
½ tsp ground mustard
½ tsp garlic powder
½ cup finely chopped onion
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
1 tsp Tony Cachere’s
1 Tbs honey
Whisk all together. Refrigerate overnight. Enjoy with your favorite food!
