OKRA SUMMER-STYLE

Okra has a mild flavor that can mix with most dishes raw or cooked. Try raw and mix with raw apple cider vinegar and black pepper, dip okra in hummus. Or cooked, cut into 1/2 inch coins, steam, sauté, roast, or braise it in a stew. Pickle and preserve okra pods. You can also use okra leaves in raw salads or sauté similar to beet or dandelion greens.

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tbsp grapeseed oil 2 celery ribs, sliced thin

1/2 onion, sliced thin 1 hot pepper, seeded

3 garlic cloves, minced 1 Tbsp tomato paste

2 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 1/2 c chicken stock

1 tsp minced fresh thyme 1/2 to 3/4 pound fresh okra

2 heirloom tomatoes diced Sea salt/Pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS:

Heat 2 Tbsp oil in large sauté pan at medium-high heat. Sauté the onion, jalapeño and celery with a pinch of salt for 2 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. While the vegetables are sautéing, mix the tomato paste, broth and vinegar until they are combined. Add to the pan with the vegetables and bring to a boil. Add the thyme and a pinch of salt.

As the sauce is boiling, slice okra to create diagonal pieces. This exposes as much of the interior as possible. Heat another pan over high heat for a minute or two with remaining oil. Add the sliced okra spread out in a single layer in the pan. Let the okra brown, high heat sears the okra and helps limit the slime factor. Sear the okra for 3-4 minutes, stirring only 2-3 times. As soon as the okra is done, add it to the boiling sauce. Add the diced tomatoes and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes, the tomatoes should still be a bit firm, and you don’t want to cook the okra to the point it starts releasing slime. Turn off the heat, grind black pepper over everything and taste once more for salt. Add if needed. Serve over grilled fish, roasted chicken, or legumes with a bed of sautéed greens.

Your Garden: Okra is easy to grow during the summer season in cold countries and throughout the year in tropical areas. It can easily be planted in a large pot or container garden on your porch! Some hybrid varieties are often subjected to insecticide powder or spray. Therefore, wash the pods thoroughly in the water in order to remove dust, soil and any residual insecticides.

For more recipes check out our Naturally Nourished Food-As-Medicine for Optimal Health Cookbook.