Dry Fried Okra Food

SOUTHERN FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Pat okra dry with paper towels. Place buttermilk in a shallow bowl. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, seasoning blend and pepper. Dip okra in buttermilk, then roll in cornmeal mixture., In an electric skillet or deep-fat fryer, heat 1 in. of oil to 375°. Fry okra, a few pieces at a time, for 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired.

FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Rinse the okra and dry with a paper towel. Cut the pods into 1/2 inch pieces, remove the tops. In a bowl, mix together the cornmeal, flour, and salt. Add the okra pieces to the bowl, stirring to coat with the cornmeal mixture, and then let sit for a few minutes. Stir again. When the breading clings to the okra, shake the bowl -- excess breading will go to the bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat in a frying pan large enough to allow the okra room to cook evenly. Spoon the okra out of the bowl and fry in the hot oil until browned all over, about 10 to 15 minutes. Drain the okra on paper towels before serving.

FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Add the tomato paste, garlic, olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 5 ounces of water to a medium saucepan. Stir to combine. Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook, stirring, until fragrant and just starting to boil, 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
• Combine the cornmeal, flour, dried basil, garlic powder, dried mustard, cayenne pepper and dried thyme in a medium mixing bowl. Set aside.
• Add 2 cups water to a medium pot over medium-high heat. Place a 10-inch bamboo steamer over the pot. Working in batches, add the okra, cover and steam until crisp-tender, about 4 minutes.
• Pour enough vegetable oil into a medium, heavy-bottomed pot to reach 3 inches deep. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches a temperature of 365 degrees F.
• Dip each piece of okra into the tomato paste mixture and then roll in the cornmeal mixture. Working in batches, fry the okra until golden brown and crispy, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain. Season the fried okra with 1 teaspoon of salt. Place on a serving platter with lemon wedges if using.

CURRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Cut off the ends of the okra pods.
• Slice the pods into approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch rounds.
• Peel and slice the onions.
• Place the sliced Okra into a glass or stainless steel bowl and sprinkle liberally with salt.
• Cover with the iced water, making sure that all slices are under water; refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Remove the bowl from the refrigerator and drain off the salt water.
• Heat the oil in a heavy skillet over medium high heat.
• Add the Okra and fry until lightly browned. (Approximately 10 minutes).
• Turning frequently to prevent sticking.
• Add the remaining ingredients and fry for a further 3 minutes, until the onions are soft.
• Serve hot.