Saras Cornmeal Crusted Okra Recipes

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.

CRISPY CORNMEAL OKRA

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until a deep-frying thermometer inserted in the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
• Prepare a baking tray lined with paper towels.
• Combine the flour, cornmeal, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, in a shallow bowl.
• Put the egg whites, and a pinch of salt into another bowl, and whisk until the mixture is frothy. Dip the okra in the egg whites and allow the excess egg whites to drip off, then dip the okra into the flour mixture, shake off the excess flour, and gently drop into the preheated oil.
• Fry the vegetables until golden brown, turning frequently for even color.
• Transfer the fried okra to a tray, lined with paper towels to absorb the excess oil, and season with salt, to taste. Coat, and fry, and season the remaining okra. Serve with the Chipotle Sour Cream.
• Combine the sour cream, lime juice, chopped chipotle pepper, and salt, and pepper, to taste, in a bowl. Mix to incorporate well. Serve the dipping sauce alongside the Crispy Cornmeal Okra.

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 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.

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.

FRIED OKRA WITH HERB REMOULADE

Steps:

• In a shallow dish, whisk together cornmeal, flour, salt, cayenne, and ground pepper; set aside. In a large shallow bowl, whisk together egg whites and 3 tablespoons cold water. Add okra, and toss to coat completely. Lift the okra from egg mixture, letting excess drain off; add to cornmeal mixture, and toss to coat evenly.
• In a deep 12-inch skillet or Dutch oven, heat oil to 375 degrees on a deep-fry thermometer. Carefully place half of the okra in the oil. Gently stir without disturbing coating. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 6 minutes; adjusting heat as needed to keep the oil temperature between 300 and 350 degrees. With a slotted spoon, transfer okra to a paper-towel-lined baking sheet to drain.
• Return oil to 375 degrees; repeat with remaining okra. Season with salt, and serve with lemon wedges and hot sauce, if desired.