OKRA: History and Southern Fried

Okra has the most beautiful bloom in our garden!

 It is related to cotton, hollyhock and hibiscus.  It loves drought,  sun and heat so, of course, it does great here in Oklahoma.  It is even part of Oklahoma's official state meal!!

Okra originated in Africa and was brought to America by African slaves. Thomas Jefferson listed it  being grown at his home in Virginia in 1781. 

Okra has vitamin C and A, B complex, iron and calcium. The seeds can be toasted and ground and used as a coffee substitute and an edible oil can be made from ripen seeds.

  The downside to okra is that the leaves and pods are covered with tiny spines that make you itch while picking it. The best thing to do is wear long sleeves and gloves. My theory growing up is that I wouldn't eat okra so therefore I should have to pick it. My parents did not agree with my theory and I still had to pick it. Now I pick it every 2-3 days for several months during the summer. Pods should be picked when they are 3-5 inches long. If it gets to big it becomes tough and stringy.

There are so many ways to prepare okra, once you start listing the ways you sound like you should be in the movie Forrest Gump. Pickled, boiled, cut up and put in soups or gumbo, but my favorite is fried.

I don't have an exact recipe for frying okra. It depends how many people  and how hungry we are to how much I prepare.  It is always a guess and one that usually turns out okay. Cut your okra in 1/4 to 1/2 inch slices, salt and pepper.  Add chopped onion.  Add a beaten egg, a little milk and mix.

 I add 2 to 1 of flour and cornmeal, more flour than cornmeal.

A cast iron skillet is the best way to fry okra. Pour a generous about of oil in your skillet and let it get hot but, not smoking. Slowly add your okra, salt and pepper again. Turning it  when it becomes brown and crisp, try not to flip it too often.

Let it drain on paper towels. It is the perfect side dish for so many meals.
I will be posting this to these blog parties:
Made by You Monday
Recipe Sharing Monday
Creative Blogger's Party & Hop
Foodie Friday
Frugal Friday
Full Plate Thursday