Okra is one of those vegetables that people either love or hate, I think. If you are reading this, I am going to assume you are not the latter since there are 10 awesome recipes here for okra and some information on how to deal with an over-abundance of it since it is in season this month.
How to Store Okra
Okra can go bad faster if it is washed and then stored. In order to make it last longer, it is best to wait to wash it until you are ready to eat and prepare it. Also, store it in the fridge in an airtight container. I suggest glass as it is durable and food safe.
How to Freeze Okra
If you happen to have a lot of okra and you won’t be able to use it up in a reasonable amount of time, you can easily freeze it. Okra is a food that freezes well and doesn’t lose a lot of it’s appeal when it is frozen.
To freeze okra, simply blanch it and freeze. Blanching is a process in which you place vegetables in hot, boiling water for just a couple minutes, not long enough to actually cook, and then quickly remove to place in an ice bath and cool it. It is very important that you place it in an ice bath as it will stop the cooking process. Towel dry your okra and place in a single layer on a cookie sheet for about 2-3 hours in your freezer. Pull out and place in a freezer container.
Here are some recipes you can make to use your okra surplus.
10 Savory Okra Recipes
Spicy pickled Okra is a perfect way to store and enjoy okra for a long time. This awesome recipe comes from Oysters and Pearls.
I bet you have had many things turned into “fries” but have you tried Okra Fries from The blog, Health Nut? These look so delicious!
Looking for the perfect appetizer? Check out these Okra Fritters with Grilled Corn and Goat Cheese from Confections of a Foodie Bride.
Southern Living has a unique take on the classic fried okra: Okra Rellenos! If you like it cheesy and and a tad bit spicy, you will love these.
If you like Indian food, you will love this recipe for Bhindi Masala from Saveur which is essentially an okra stir fry. It looks really amazing.
This Hot Jambalaya Dip from Frugal Antics Recipes calls for pickled okra so if you plan on making some, save those recipe to use them in.
Have you tried Dried Okra Chips? Charm of the Carolines has a great recipe for them so you can give them a spin.
What’s a list of okra recipes without at least one for gumbo? The Cozy Apron has a new twist on it with this “Gumbo-Laya” over rice.
Another recipe that uses pickled okra is these “Redneck Sushi”s from Big Red Kitchen. They look like an easy appetizer or quick lunch.
Make this Braised Okra from Souvlaki for the Soul and you may get requests for it over and over again from any guests you serve it to.
More Seasonal Vegetable Recipes:
10 Amazing Swiss Chard Recipes
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Rachel says
Let’s face it, not everyone wants okra but your recipes seem appetizing.
I will definitely try one of them.
I am intrigued in Dried Okra Chips, how does it taste? I will find out.