Corn Meal Fried Okra

By á-47929

Although I like batter-fried okra, I prefer the traditional Southern dish of okra fried in corn meal. However, the corn meal tends to separate from the okra. I'm convinced that no one below the rank of grandmother can get the proper brown without either burning the bottom layer or stirring all the corn meal off. This novel approach reduces the required skill level a lot.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds fresh okra, sliced, stem caps discarded
• 3/4 cup corn meal
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup cooking oil
• 1 small onion, chopped (optional, Southern grandmother polls vary)

Preparation

Step 1

1. Preheat oven to 350 degF
2. Heat oil on medium-heat burner in large cast-iron skillet
3. Mix well the corn meal, flour, and salt
4. Add okra to dry mix and toss until well-coated
5. Transfer okra to hot oil. Top with chopped onion (optional)
5. Brown the coated okra in oil about three minutes
6. Stir okra (and onion)gently and briefly
7. Brown again for three minutes
8. Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes until tender