As many of you know, I’m a Southern girl, hailing from Alabama, and okra has a special place in my heart.

You may enjoy reading my Ode to Okra to understand how deep my love of this vegetable is. I get a special kind of joy when I see these beautiful vegetable lanterns at my farmer’s market in Boulder, Colorado, or in Rajasthan where we visit as part of our culinary adventure.

Frying okra slices gives them a crispy quality that is delicious and slightly addictive. Perfect as a side vegetable or as a “chip” with a chilled gin and tonic (another personal favorite).

Ingredients:

3 cups okra, sliced
1/2 cup of gram (garbanzo bean) flour or corn flour
1/2 tsp red chili powder
1/2 tsp turmeric
salt to taste
1/2 tsp chat masala
oil for frying

Preparation:

1. Slice the okra on the diagonal and quite thin. Let it dry out for an hour.

2. Then add flour, red chili powder and turmeric.

3. Season with salt just before frying or else the okra will release water and become soggy.

4. Heat the cooking oil on a medium flame. Do not overheat the oil since okra can burn easily.

5. Deep fry the okra a little at a time, until crisp and drain on paper towels.

6. Sprinkle chaat masala powder on the okra and toss it well. Serve immediately.

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More deliciousness from Peggy:

Shakshuka aka Berber Omelette. {Recipe}

Delicious Mint Chutney. {Recipe}

Simple Tomato Chutney. {Recipe}

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Author: Peggy Markel

Editor: Katarina Tavčar

Photo: Author’s own