We recently ate at a wonderful Indian restaurant about 1/2 hour from our home called Rangoli and, among other "small plates" we had a fried okra dish that we so good we ordered a second helping. We enjoyed it so much we wanted to try to recreate it at home. Here's Cynthia's version.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup AP flour
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin
- 1 scant tsp (sweet) paprika
- several grinds of black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 - 2 dozens okra pods, the smaller the better but you'll need a few more
- sea salt, finely ground
- Mix the flour, smoked paprika, cumin, sweet paprika and black pepper through a wire mesh colander to insure complete blending.
- Cut the okra on the bias into 1/4 inch slices
- Place cut okra slices into the colander and cover with dry ingredient mixture
- Toss to coat well then shake to remove excess coating
- Heat the oil (about 1/2 inch deep) in a shallow pan with plenty of cooking space
- Fry slices about 30 seconds per side until GBD (golden brown and delicious)
- Remove and place on a drain rack and salt liberally immediately
These crispy and spicy treats are addicting and are perfect as a side dish with burgers, as a appetizer or all by themselves with a cold beer. If you've had okra done badly and think you don't like it, I promise you these will change your mind.
Final note: The spice mix here is Cynthia's and probably different from what they used at Rangoli. I'm sure these are a million combinations that would be just as good. Be creative, use things you like, just give okra a chance.
