I was raised on fried okra (and fried potatoes and fried eggplant), but I rarely fry anything these days. Sad, I know. I have my reasons and I’m sure you can figure them out. Even without the deep fried part of the equation, okra is delicious prepared lots of other ways—roasted, pickled, grilled, etc.
Last week I baked a more slender version of fried. Crunchy. Spicy. Satisfying. This dish serves as a soulful side or southern appetizer dipped in barbecue sauce or homemade ranch dressing.
And did you know okra comes from the mallow plant family—same as cotton? No wonder I love it so.
Spicy Baked Okra
Ingredients
- 2 cups okra cut into one-inch pieces
- 1/2 Tablespoon Olive Oil
- 1-2 Tablespoons corn meal
- Cayenne to taste
- Sea Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- Parmesan Reggiano (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400.
- Place okra in a medium bowl and drizzle with olive oil. Stir.
- In a separate small bowl, mix together corn meal, cayenne, black pepper and salt. Sprinkle corn meal over okra and toss.
- Spread on cookie sheet at roast until brown and crispy, stirring once, approximately 15 minutes. (oven times vary)
- Serve with freshly grated Parmesan Reggiano if desired.
Grace Grits and Gardening
P.S. Of course okra has health benefits galore.
For some reason I have never tried okra in my life. You make it sound pretty appetizing. I may have to change that status soon! ♥
Love okra. May have to try this.
I’m skeptical. I loves me some crispy, fried okra. I will have to try baking. I wonder, though, if it HAS to be in 1″ chunks, or if you can cut it thin like you do for frying?
You can cut it however you like. The thinner the crispier I’m sure!
Straight to the printer with this one and so anxious to try it. Now to the store from some okra! Thanks!
Sounds easy and healthier than the fried version which I love. I’m going to try it!
Definitely healthier yet still yummy.
As we plan our garden here, I see that we must stick okra in it so I can play with this recipe. Meanwhile, I will buy some and experiment.
Absolutely!
I love okra … One of my favorite vegetables … Haven’t tried baked recipe yet … Thanks for it.
I hope you will try it and let me know what you think.
Looks amazing! I’ve always loved okra. Hmmm…that might make a good side for my Easter dinner.
Thanks Kayla! Good to hear from you. I think okra would be perfect for Easter.
Does the okra have slime? I like the taste of okra but can’t stand the slimy texture.
http://joycelansky.blogspot.com
Not like this it doesn’t.
this looks yum! and the fact that it is baked and not fried is all the more tempting…i am definitely going to try this