How to Cook Okra; Cooking Okra in Seafood Gumbo

When living in Florida, all cooks must learn how to cook okra. This vegetable, especially deep fried is a staple in many homes. It is also available in many restaurants. Okra can be purchased fresh, frozen canned or pickled. It is added to stews and soups or is served as a side dish to many meals.

Fresh okra is available throughout the Southern United States year round. To be a true southerner, you must know how to cook okra. It was hard for me to get used to because most cooked okra is too “slimy” for me. I quickly learned how to love fried okra because everywhere you go to eat has fried okra on the menu. It is usually very crispy and well flavored. My other favorite recipe for okra is in the following seafood gumbo recipe. Gumbo is not the same without okra!

FRIED OKRA

• 2 Pounds okra


• 1 Beaten egg


• ¾ Cup cornmeal


• Oil for frying

Wash okra, cut off stems and cut into ¼ inch slices. Dip into egg and roll into cornmeal and fry in hot oil until brown. Drain on paper towels.

OKRA AND TOMATOES

Simmer okra and tomatoes together for about 5 minutes. Add butter, salt and pepper.

COOKED OKRA

• 2 Pounds okra


• ¾ Teaspoon salt


• Boiling water


• Vinegar-optional

Wash okra, cut off stems and slice and place in saucepan. Add salt, cover with water and simmer for about 15 minutes uncovered. To serve, season with salt, butter and a little vinegar.

SEAFOOD GUMBO RECIPE

• ½ Pound ham


• ½ Pound raw chicken


• ½ Pound fresh okra


• 3 Medium onions


• 1 Large bell pepper


• ¼ Cup fresh parsley


• ¼ Cup bacon drippings


• 3 Quarts boiling water


• 56 Ounces canned tomatoes


• 2 Cloves minced garlic


• 2 Bay leaves


• 1/8 Teaspoon thyme


• ½ Teaspoon salt


• ¼ Teaspoon black pepper


• 1 Pound raw shrimp


• 1 Pound fresh crabmeat


• 2 Teaspoon seafood seasoning


• ¼ Teaspoon red pepper flakes

Heat bacon drippings in a large pot.

Cut ham, chicken, onions and bell pepper into small pieces and put into hot bacon drippings.

Add the okra and chopped parsley and fry until brown.

Add the boiling water, tomatoes, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes; Bring to a boil and simmer for 1 hour.

Add the shrimp and crabmeat and cook 30 minutes longer.

Add the seafood seasoning and stir to blend; add more salt and pepper if needed.

Serve over steamed rice.

NOTE: The flavor in this is better if refrigerated overnight and reheated.

Check below for more delicious vegetable recipes.

• How to cook leeks


• Eggplant recipes


• How to cook cauliflower


• Corn recipes

Return to How to Cook Vegetable from How to Cook Okra
Return to Home Page from How to Cook Okra