Southern Fried Okra

Saw this recipe online and decided to post it here.  It is quick and easy and turns out a good product.  As I noted at the bottom of the recipe, I add a half cup of panko to the cornmeal-flour mixture for extra crispiness.
 
Southern Fried Okra


Ingredients:
1 pound fresh okra
2 eggs, beaten (OPTIONAL)
1 cup cornmeal (plain, not self-rising)
½ teaspoon salt
½ cup all-purpose flour (OPTIONAL)
½ teaspoon black pepper
Oil for frying (approx 4 - 6 cups)
~ If you'd like a spicier version, add ground cayenne pepper, onion & garlic powder to the cornmeal mixture or directly on the okra.

Preparation:
Wash okra; drain & cut off tips. Cut pods crosswise into 1/2-inch slices (another option, try cutting lengthwise too!).

Coat okra in salt, pepper & cornmeal mixture (should still be damp from just being washed). You can go straight to fryer at this point or continue with the next step & add egg if you'd like a thicker breading.

In a bowl, combine beaten eggs; add okra and stir to coat all pieces well. Then re-dip okra pieces into cornmeal mixture to coat well.

Heat oil in a frying pan or deep fryer to 350°-375°. Fry okra in batches until browned, about 4 to 6 minutes for each batch. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.

Serves 4.

Okra is delicious food and I  add 1/2 cup panko to fry mine; makes it even better!

Celebrating Super Smothered Chicken on Day 33

When I think of smothered chicken, I think of nice-sized juicy pieces of  chicken fried until brown; then smothered in homemade, not bottled, gravy and slowly simmered unil tender.  Takes me back to my childhood in Annapolis when my mother made this.  In a dish like this, good technique is a plus; however, love and passion can make the difference between a mediocre product and a memorable masterpiece. 

This is a classic Southern lip-smacking good creation  that I replicated from my mother's home recipe.  I must admit to adding some extra spices that she did not use.  You can omit the sage or the Italian seasoning, if you like.  On different occasions, I have used both, just one or neither.  It is your choice.  Just depends on your own taste buds at the moment.   This dish takes a little care in the preparation, however, you can leave it alone after the initial browning anf let it simmer till chicken and gravy are infused with the seasonings.

Smothered Chicken

1 large frying chicken, about 3 1/2 pounds, cut  into serving pieces
1 large onion, chopped
1 cup flour seasoned with
   1 teaspoon salt
   1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
   1 teaspoon garlic salt
   1/2 teaspoon ground sage or
   1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
   1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2-3 cups room temperature water

Heat oil to moderately hot in a heavy skillet.  (My mother always used cast iron and I still do).  Put flour and the next 5 ingredients into a paper bag.  Shake well to incorporate spices.  Place chicken in baga and shake until well coated.  Remove excess flour. Be careful about putting chicken into the hot oil so it doesn't splash on you.  Brown the chicken well on both sides, about 5-6 minutes on each side.   Check oil temperature from time to time so chicken does not burn.  Remove to a plate.

Drain off all except 6 tablespoons of oil.  Lower heat and add chopped onions.   Cook, stirring often, for about 5 minutes.   Sprinkle 6 tablespoons flour into the oil and onions and stir constantly over low heat until brown being careful not to burn.   Add  2 cups water very slowly stirring until thick and smooth.

Carefully put chicken back into the gravy and cover skellet.  Reduce heat to low and cook chicken until tender, about 20-25 minutes.    Gravy will thicken more as chicken cooks.  Add more water for less thick gravy.  Serve with steamed Brussels spouts and rice or mashed potatoes.

Serves 4-6

Want to make some great home-style recipes like those from some of America's most popular and well-known restaurants such as Olive Garden's Parmesan Crusted Chicken, T.G.I. Friday's Hot Artichoke and Spinach Dip or Applebee's Southwest Steak Skillet? Click image at left to get more information.