Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Seriously Good: Okra

Seriously Good: Okra:

"So before rejecting okra, try it in it's best light. Here, then is the numinous fried okra.

Fried Okra

1/2 lb okra
1 c cornmeal
1 tbsp salt
2 tsp ground black pepper
1 c buttermilk
vegetable oil

Choose okra that is an even green color and 2' - 4' long. Trim stem ends from okra and cut into 3/4' lengths. Soak in buttermilk for 15 minutes.

Mix cornmeal, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. Add okra and toss to coat.

Heat 1/2' oil in a 10' skillet (cast iron is traditional) over medium high heat. When oil begins to shimmer, sift excess cornmeal mixture from okra and add to skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown. (Stir gently to avoid losing coating.) Drain on paper towels and salt again if needed."