Cajun Fried Okra

Fried okra is the perfect pairing to a spicy Gumbo. This recipe, courtesy of Paula Deen, is a great way to enjoy okra if you are less than thrilled with it's texture. Spicy, crisp and tender okra is a treat like no other. Enjoy!

What you need:

• 6 cups oil, for frying

• 1/2 cup cornmeal

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 teaspoon Cajun spice

• 2 pounds fresh okra, sliced 1/2-inch thick

House Seasoning:

• 1 cup salt

• 1/4 cup black pepper

• 1/4 cup garlic powder

Creamy Chili Sauce:

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon garlic chili pepper sauce

• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• Instructions:

• 2 teaspoons House Seasoning, recipe follows ~ mix ingredients together & store up to 6 months

• Creamy Chili Sauce, recipe follows ~ in a small bowl combine ingredients, stirring well. Cover & chill.

• Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. (You may not need to use this much oil; do not fill the pan more than halfway up the sides with oil.)

• In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, House Seasoning, and Cajun spice. Dip okra in buttermilk and then dredge in cornmeal-flour mixture to coat well. Carefully add okra to the hot oil and cook until golden brown. (It may be necessary to fry the okra in batches.) Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and then serve immediately.

#Okra