Five Ways to Eat Okra

By Karen Alexander / Photography By | Last Updated August 01, 2018
Share to printerest
Share to fb
Share to twitter
Share to mail
Share to print
Okra with spices
Okra grows well in hot, humid seasons, making it the perfect addition to North Florida summer gardens.

An ingredient found in cuisines around the world, okra has become associated with Southern cooking. Good news for fans, it is also easy to grow in Northeast Florida.

**********

Okra is a traditionally Southern vegetable that is the perfect addition to salads and soups, and also makes a great side dish. Although okra may have a reputation for an unappealing texture, when cooked correctly it is crunchy and delicious. It’s also a good source of fiber, protein, healthy fats and vitamins K, C, B1, and B6. Okra’s mild flavor makes it a versatile, healthy addition to many recipes, such as Bharwan Bhindi, a traditional Northern Indian dish. When you add flavorful Indian spices like turmeric, ginger and cumin to okra it not only tastes great, it also increases the health benefits of this tasty veggie. Expand your okra options and try one of these recipes below.

**********

Bharwan Bhindi (Indian Spiced Okra)

indian spiced okra
Serve as an appetizer or over rice as an entree.

Cajun Okra Gumbo

Vegan Okra Gumbo by Fresh Jax
Serve this flavorful stew with brown rice and a tossed salad for a hearty, veggie-packed dinner.

Grilled Whole Okra

Eggplant Stacks from Juniper Market in St. Augustine Florida
This is a simple side dish, perfect if you are put-off by the sliminess of okra when prepared other ways.

Sinagong Soup

sinagong soup
Tamarind gives this Filipino soup its sweet & sour flavors. It can be served straight or over rice. Additionally, fish sauce can be served as a condiment with this dish.

All-Purpose Refrigerator Pickling Brine

refrigerator pickles
It’s nearly impossible to mess these up, so don’t be afraid to play around by adding a garlic clove, dried chile, a few sprigs of herbs and/or a pinch of spices to suit your tastes.
We will never share your email address with anyone else. See our privacy policy.