Best Ways To Eat Okra And 8 Okra Recipes To Make This Season

It's summertime, which means one thing - it's okra season! This often-overlooked vegetable is a Southern favorite, and there are countless ways to prepare it.

Okra is a versatile vegetable that can be cooked in many different ways, even if you dislike its signature slimy texture. You can fry it, boil it, or bake it and add it to soups or stews.

Are you ready to give okra a try this season?

Okra has a unique, slightly sweet, mildly grassy flavor that becomes more intense the longer it is cooked. Okra stays crisp and crunchy if cooked quickly but can become tender and creamy.

Okra is more famous for its slimy texture rather than its taste. In fact, okra's sliminess is a deciding factor for many people when it comes to cooking with it. Some people love the slippery okra texture, and some find it unpleasant.

The slime in okra is called mucilage, a gelatinous substance that helps the seedpod retain water. The mucilage in okra is the reason why it is so commonly used to thicken soups, stews, and the famous Southern Gumbo.

Pro-tip: If you are not a fan of the slimy texture of okra, roasting helps dry out the insides.

Okra is common in Southern, African, and South-East Asian cuisine and is also known as "lady's fingers" for its long elegant shape.

Okra might be one of the most under-appreciated vegetables around. Here are some great ways to eat this summer vegetable.

1. Fried.
   Fried okra is a simple Southern classic that is crunchy and delicious. Deep-fried okra in a crispy coat of flour and cornmeal is quick and can be very addictive.


2. Roasted.
   Roasted okra is the best choice if you don't like the slimy texture. Roasting okra dries it out on the inside. Simply toss it with some olive oil and your favorite spices and roast in the oven for about 20 minutes.


3. Gumbo.
   Okra is an essential ingredient in a classic Southern-style gumbo; not only does it add its signature flavor to the dish, but it also acts as a natural thickening agent.


4. Pickled.
   If you'd like to enjoy okra all year round try pickling it!


5. Succotash.
   Succotash is a classic Southern dish using a corn and beans combination as a base along with other ingredients at hand. Almost every home cook has their own variation of succotash and loves adding something extra to it. Okra is a fantastic ingredient to add to succotash.


6. Raw.
   You can eat okra raw. Okra is surprisingly enjoyable in fresh summer salads.


7. Chips.
   okra chips is a fantastic healthy snack. It does take a little while to make at home but it's absolutely worth it.

Say goodbye to slimy okra when you drizzle it with olive oil, season, and roast in a hot oven—a delicious healthy snack or as a side.

Stir-fried okra enveloped in savory, spicy curry flavor.

A wholesome, flavorful dinner that feeds a crowd. Rich in plant-based protein, this gumbo is filling and nourishing with the addition of lentils!

Lightly cooked okra in a delicious coating of Indian spices will not disappoint.

Stuffed Sweet Potatoes loaded with Okra, Eggplant, Corn, Peppers, and Feta Cheese!

Tomatoes and okra are stewed in a slightly spicy tomato sauce and topped with savory, herb-flecked chicken croquettes. The croquettes are crisp and crunchy on the outside but tender and juicy inside, making them a perfect contrast to the tender stewed vegetables.

This meal combines gingered tofu with okra, tomato, and turmeric to make a fantastic meal every vegetarian can enjoy.

A southern combination of Farro and sweet peppers mixed with okra and peanuts to honor its African cuisine heritage.

This traditional dish always brings back childhood memories for Victor Vieira. Tender chicken thighs and crunchy okra cooking in a warm, perfectly spiced sauce. It's simple, comforting, and delicious!