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Fresh-From-the-Garden Okra

As we were driving home yesterday we passed the lady-on-the-corner-with-the-magnificent-garden. And her sign said *OKRA*. I made Vince turn in immediately.
Now, if you've never had garden-fresh fried okra, I'm sorry, but you just don't know what you're missing. It's nothing like that over-battered stuff in restaurants. It's amazing!! I usually don't fry food very often, but okra is definitely an exception. It's best fresh so I really never buy it in the freezer section, but instead wait for that farmstand-fresh stuff. There's really no comparison.
Tonight I made some for dinner. Thought I'd share it with you:

1. garden-fresh okra, in all it's glory.
(You definitely want the pods to be small--too big and they get tough).

2. I discard the top and the tip, then slice the rest into a bowl. Always cut up what looks like more than you need because it cooks up a little.

3. Next I toss it with flour, cornmeal (a little less than the flour) and some Cajun seasoning.

4. You just want it lightly coated.

5. Next, just cover the bottom of your skillet with canola oil, then pour in the okra. Fry on medium, stirring often so that it doesn't burn. It'll be nicely browned when it's done.

6. The beautiful end result! So tender and tasty!!
You've gotta try it.

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Comments

Laura said…
OK, now I have a craving for okra!

BTW, thanks for the "shout out" on your Bargains Galore post. :)
August 19, 2009 at 8:39 AM
Lisa said…
We've been enjoying fried okra here too! Isn't it wonderful? The kids get so excited when I tell them we're having okra for dinner. I've never tried cajun seasoning though, that sounds yummy!

BTW, if you guys grow a garden next year, okra is really easy to grow and you get quite a lot if you keep it picked.
August 19, 2009 at 8:55 AM
Kari said…
Thanks a lot, now I'm hungry. =)
August 19, 2009 at 9:06 AM
Lora @ my blessed life said…
Lisa~that's good to know! Maybe I'll plant some next year.

Kari~I bought enough for another good skillet full. We'll probably have it tonight or tomorrow night, so come on over:)
August 19, 2009 at 9:40 AM
steviewren said…
Sorry, okra has always been on my "Vegetables I Hate" list...especially when boiled. Fried is better, but still not a fave. Although the addition of Cajun seasoning does sound good.
August 19, 2009 at 10:26 PM
Lora @ my blessed life said…
What, Steviewren?! Are you sure you're southern?! LOL
I agree with you on boiled okra--yuck! Frying it takes away the *slime* factor:) Maybe you would like it with a little Cajun kick!
August 19, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Kayren said…
I agree with Steviewren, and I'm southern too. Okra is just not my thing. I didn't even know you could boil okra...super yuck!
August 20, 2009 at 9:35 PM
Lora @ my blessed life said…
Kayren~
I don't think you're really from Arkansas after all, you've just been pretending all this time! LOL
P.S. I remember you have texture issues:)
August 21, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Britt-Arnhild said…
I tried okra for the first time when I was in India last year and I loved it at once :-)
August 23, 2009 at 9:02 AM
Unknown said…
love me some okra! totally delicious! I want to fix up a few batches and freeze them - mmmmmmm
August 20, 2012 at 8:29 PM
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