17 Things to do with Okra!

It could be difficult for some people to fall in love with okra because of its slimy feel. It's stories like "How to Make Okra Less Slimy" and "The Least Slimy Ways to Eat Okra" that make me sick to my stomach because they assume that okra's texture is something to be overcome rather than enjoyed. Okra is an incredibly adaptable vegetable that is prized in many culinary traditions, ranging from Ethiopia to Bombay to Tokyo to New Orleans and all points in between. It merits the same amount of deference. The substance that some may disparage as "slime" is actually soluble fiber, or mucilage, which gives stews and gumbos a slippery weight and is utilized in traditional medicine all throughout the world.

If that doesn't appeal to you, there are countless other ways to enjoy okra, including raw, pickled, fried, succotash, roasted, grilled, crisped to shards, and boiled. Plus, it freezes beautifully. What flavor does okra have? Depending on how you cook it, yes. To characterize the flavor of okra in its purest form, "grassy" is a common term; nevertheless, I would like to say "green" (mostly because "vegetal" seems a little arrogant, but you get the idea). Okra, however, has yet another wonderful quality: in addition to changing texture depending on the meal, it can also be used as a blank canvas to showcase your preferred proteins, veggies, oils, spices, rubs, or even simply a thick coating of fried batter.

Okra grows best in the heat of summer, when it's at its most tender (if you can grow some at home, do so; the flowers are surprisingly beautiful). However, it's always available in many markets fresh, and frozen rounds and pods are great for stews, soups, gumbos, and roasting.

There are tons of tasty ways to cook and consume okra that will make you think again. Here are 17 methods to develop an okra obsession:

1. Okra Fries: Cut okra lengthwise into thin strips, drench them in a thin batter, and deep-fry them until crispy and flavorful.
2. Grilled Okra: Dredge entire okra pods in olive oil, sprinkle with your preferred herbs and spices, and cook on the grill until nicely browned.
3. Okra Hollows: Stuff okra hollows with a delectable blend of herbs, spices, and other seasonings.
4. Okra Curry: Combine tomatoes, onions, and a variety of spices to make a flavorful curry with okra.
5. Okra Gumbo: Use okra as a main ingredient in this classic Southern gumbo recipe.
6. Okra Chips: To create crispy okra chips, thinly slice your okra and bake it in the oven.
7. Roasted Okra: Toss entire okra pods in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and bake until soft and beginning to crisp up.
8. Pickled Okra: Keep okra fresh for a tasty and crispy snack by preserving it in a brine made with tart vinegar.
9. Stir-fried Okra: For a quick and nutritious dinner, stir-fry okra with a variety of veggies and your preferred protein.
10. Okra and Tomato Saute: For a quick and delicious side dish, sauté okra with onions, garlic, and fresh tomatoes.
11. Okra and Cornbread: For a hearty supper, pair fried okra with traditional Southern cornbread.
12. Okra Soup: For a filling and savory meal, prepare a substantial okra soup with chicken, sausage, and spices.
13. Okra and Tomatillo Salsa: This unusual salsa is perfect with chips or tacos when you combine okra with tomatillos, onions, and jalape?os.
14. Roasted Okra with Parmesan: For a delicious and crunchy side dish, roast okra pods with grated Parmesan cheese.
15. Okra Slaw: To make a crisp, fresh slaw, finely slice the okra and combine it with other veggies.
16. Okra with Garlic and Lemon: For a zesty and vibrant taste, sauté okra with garlic and a little lemon juice.
17. Okra and Shrimp Skewers: For a delicious combination, thread okra and shrimp onto skewers, season with your preferred seasonings, and grill.

Try out these dishes and see which preparation technique best suits your palate. If you cook okra in ways that you enjoy, it can be a delightful and adaptable addition to your menu.