Southern Fried Okra

Crispy cornmeal-coated okra — the Southern way to love this polarizing vegetable.

Ingredients

• 1 lb okra, sliced into 1/2" rounds
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper, 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1 egg, beaten
• Oil for frying

Method

1. Toss okra with beaten egg.

2. Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, pepper, paprika. Toss okra in the mixture.

3. Fry in 1/4" oil over medium-high heat 4-5 min, turning once, until golden and crispy.

4. Drain on wire rack. Season with extra salt.

What You're Practicing

• The cornmeal coating creates a crunchy shell that contrasts with the tender okra inside.
• Frying eliminates the sliminess that turns people off raw or steamed okra.
• This is the gateway recipe for okra skeptics.