Saras Cornmeal Crusted Okra Food

PAN-FRIED OKRA WITH CORNMEAL RECIPE

Steps:

• Place 1 ½ tablespoons of the canola oil in each of 2 medium-size nonstick skillets, and heat over medium-high. Divide okra between skillets, and stir to coat. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until bright green, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle okra in each skillet with ¾ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Divide yellow cornmeal and cayenne pepper evenly between skillets; stir to coat. Drizzle 1 ½ tablespoons oil over mixture in each skillet, and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until okra is tender and browned, about 6 minutes.

CORNMEAL WITH OKRA (COU-COU)

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Put the whole ears of corn into the oven (do not shuck the corn) and cook until the outside is charred and the inside feels soft when pressed, about 30 minutes. When it is cool enough to handle, pull out the silk and remove the husk. Cut the kernels off the cob and set aside.
• If using frozen okra, put it into a strainer and run it under cool water for a few minutes to thaw. Remove the stems from the okra and cut them into thirds. Heat 1 tablespoon each of butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the onion until it begins to soften, then add the corn, okra, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute and set aside.
• Butter a 13-inch by 9-inch pan with 1 tablespoon butter. Bring the water to a boil in a large saucepan and add 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually sprinkle in the corn meal, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. When it is all incorporated, stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons butter and the sauteed vegetables. Reduce the heat to low, season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg, to taste, and cook for 10 minutes stirring occasionally. Pour into the buttered dish and let cool.
• Slice the cooled cornmeal into squares and serve. You can also fry the cornmeal squares for a few minutes in butter or olive oil to make them crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.

SARA'S CORNMEAL-CRUSTED OKRA

Steps:

• In a large skillet, preferably nonstick, heat 3 tablespoons of the oil over medium-high heat. Add the okra and stir to coat. Cover and cook until bright green, 12 to 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the cornmeal and stir to coat. Drizzle over the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender, browned, and crispy, about 15 minutes. Taste and adjust for seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately.

CORNMEAL FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Cut okra into 1/2 inch rings.
• Combine cornmeal, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Coat orka rings in the cornmeal mixture.
• Heat oil in a large skillet over meduim high heat.
• Fry coated okra rings 5-7 minutes until golden brown and tender. Be sure to turn the orka during cooking to ensure even doneness.
• Drain on paper towels and serve warm.

HEARTY CREOLE OKRA AND TOMATOES

Steps:

• Heat butter and olive oil over medium heat in a large pot. Cook and stir celery and onions until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the corn kernels and cook for 3 minutes.
• Stir in okra, tomatoes, andouille sausage, and Creole seasoning; cover and cook over medium heat until the okra has lost all of its slippery texture, at least 45 minutes. Season with sea salt, black pepper, and more Creole seasoning if necessary. Cook, uncovered, to reduce liquid, about 10 minutes.

CORNMEAL-CRUSTED FRIED OKRA

Steps:

• Melt shortening in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat until a frying thermometer registers 375 degrees.
• Meanwhile, whisk together eggs and milk in a bowl. Place flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper in another bowl; whisk to combine.
• Place 8 pieces of okra in egg mixture to coat, then dredge in flour mixture. Fry until golden brown, turning as necessary, 3 to 4 minutes. Drain on paper towels. Repeat coating and frying okra; serve warm.