HOW DO I COOK OKRA AND WHAT IS IT?
How Do I Cook Okra and What Is It?
There are other delectable ways to use this vegetable, like as roasting or frying it.
The edible seed pod of Abelmoschus esculentus, a tropical plant related to cotton and hibiscus, is known as okra. In most sections of the country, okra reaches its height from mid- to late summer. It is a plant that thrives in hot, humid weather. The bushes blossom profusely before they produce the succulent green pods, which, predictably, resemble hibiscus flowers. Numerous kinds of okra, ranging in length from slender fruit extending over a foot to those with short, squat pods. Though some produce scarlet or crimson-streaked pods, most types have pods that range in color from pale to dark green.
Okra is a common ingredient in the cuisines of Africa, India, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, the Caribbean, and South America, despite its association with the American South. One of the most beneficial characteristics of okra is its slickness. Mucilage is a naturally occurring thickening agent composed of proteins and sugar remnants that give soups and stews of all kinds.
How to Keep Okra in Storage
Opt for firm, dry okra pods when you go shopping. Steer clear of those that are slimy, mushy, or have flaws. The skin coating ought to resemble peach fuzz. Once purchased, keep okra in a paper bag in the refrigerator’s warmest section (usually the refrigerator door) for a maximum of three days. You can also freeze okra for later use.
Read also:10 BENEFITS OF EATING OKRA REGULARLY
How to Cook Okra
Most often, okra is cooked in a stew or battered and deep-fried. Quick-cooking techniques like sautéing, grilling, and roasting help preserve the crisp, fresh feel of the raw pod and the enjoyable “pop” of the seeds within because heat causes mucilage to become more viscous.
The acidic qualities of tomato, lemon, and vinegar, along with the heat from both fresh and dried chiles, counterbalance the flavor of okra, which has overtones of asparagus and artichoke. Garlic, onion, ginger, and fragrant seeds like cumin, coriander, anise, and fennel help improve it.
Learn how to prepare okra before you start cooking. If the pods are going to be cut, trim the ends of the stems carefully so as not to reveal the seeds. Rinse thoroughly under cool running water. To get the best texture whether roasting, grilling, or sautéing, make sure the okra is extremely dry. Utilizing paper towels, pat it dry. Depending on your preference, leave the pods whole or chop them in half horizontally.
How to Grill Okra
Toss 1 pound trimmed okra with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper and pepper to taste. Spread in a single layer on a large rimmed baking sheet. Roast in a 450°F oven until lightly browned and tender, shaking the pan every 5 minutes, for about 15 minutes. Serves 4.
How to Sauté Okra
Cut 1 pound of trimmed okra into 1/2-inch-thick pieces. Cook 2 slices bacon in a large skillet over low heat until crisp. Drain on a plate lined with paper towels. Turn the heat up to medium-high. Add 1 thinly sliced small sweet onion to the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add the okra and cook, stirring frequently, until tender-crisp and brightly colored, 5 to 6 minutes. Season with 1/4 tablespoon of salt and pepper to taste. Crumble the bacon over the okra and serve right away. Serves 4.
How to stew Okra
In a big, heavy skillet, combine one pound of trimmed okra with two diced medium tomatoes. Using a fork, pierce one habanero chile (or two jalapeños) and add to the pan. Heat till boiling. Cover and simmer over medium heat until the okra is soft, 8 to 13 minutes. To taste, add 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Four servings.
Read also:10 COMPANION PLANTS FOR OKRA
Okra nutrition
1 cup of sliced cooked okra includes 36 calories, 7g carbs, 4g sugar
(containing 3g protein, 4g fiber, 10 mg sodium, and 216 mg potassium). There was also no added sugar.
Bonus: People with diabetes have long used this vegetable to help control their blood sugar. The antioxidants quercetin and isoquercetin, which have been demonstrated to inhibit the enzymes that break down carbohydrates and prevent them from entering the bloodstream, may be one factor.
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