Fresh Okra

Since Mamaw Smith had her accident, I have had my share of garden activities. I have had the responsibility of picking the okra every three days. I have put 24 quarts in the freezer plus about the same amount of beans and I have canned 24 quarts of tomato juice and tomatoes.

I have fried enough okra to feed most of the folks on roadfood, put it into tomatoes with pasta.

I guess my question is what else can you do with it????

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

You could always do your own production of Okrahoma

My first thought is to pickle it. There's a bunch of recipes to be found.

quote:

Originally posted by Slick

My first thought is to pickle it. There's a bunch of recipes to be found.

Great thought on the pickle thing. Perhaps I could add some jalapeno with the vinegar and salt and sugar?

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Sundancer - Let us know how the pickling turns out. Sounds good.

Do you have shrimp? I don't know if anyone would like this recipe, but will post it while we still have power.

Creole Smothered Okra, Shrimp, and Tomatoes
(makes 6 servings)

2 lbs, peeled, and de-veined medium raw shrimp
2 lbs. fresh okra, cut in 1" pieces (frozen okra can be substituted, but do not thaw)
8 TBS. bacon drippings, or vegetable oil
1 medium onion, chopped
2-3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 cups fresh, diced tomatoes(or canned diced tomatoes)***
salt and pepper to taste
Tabasco or hot sauce(few drops to taste)(optional)

Note: Do not use an iron pot or the okra will turn black.

Peel and de-vein shrimp, set aside. Fry okra pieces (if using frozen okra, do not thaw) in bacon drippings or oil for 10 minutes over medium-low heat, stirring frequently. Add onions and garlic and continue cooking for 15 minutes, until onions and garlic are softened.

Add tomatoes, salt and pepper, few drops of Tabasco or hot sauce to taste. Cover, and simmer for 20 minutes over low heat stirring frequently. (The okra will cease to rope once the tomatoes are added).

Add uncooked shrimp and simmer about 10-15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings adding more salt, pepper if needed.

Serve over rice


*** This dish is better with fresh tomatoes, if available

fill a large pot with water, bring to boil, dump in okra and simmer for 3 hrs, throw the resulting glutinous mass in the compost bin and go to krystals for a sackful... sorry but okra is one dish that Ive tried cooked in many different ways and have never found one I enjoyed

I wouldn't have a clue what to do with that much okra. As a rule I use it in jumbalaya and chicken corn chowder, etc and I like it in those type of dishes but that's the only way I use it that I like.

I am still picking okra and probably will until frost although I think the amount harvested will diminish. I picked a pan full last evening for a dinner my daughter had for her two children's birthday.

The only way I cook it is add cornmeal, salt and pepper and fry it crispy in Canola.

Mamaw Smith uses the okra that is too tough in with tomatoes, little onion and garlic and some past.

I for one really enjoy my okra. I have been enjoying it out of our garden for better than 60 years.

Paul E. Smith
Knoxville, TN

Brush small to medium size pods with EVOO
Sprinkle with a little salt
Thread on soaked bamboo skewers
Grill until slightly charred in spots.

This is our favorite way to eat it!

Of course, it is ambrosia when mealed and fried with summer squash, potatoes, and onions.

Okra parmesan in tomato.