Deep Fried Okra

Since we don't have it in China, I never ate okra until I came to the US. And I like it, the texture is a little bit like a Chinese vegetable, loofah, which I can't find here. Yes, loofah, is the one they make sponges from.  When it's young and tender we make it into a soup with egg; it's a typical soup for summer.  The only thing I miss about China is the food.

Okra also known as lady's fingers but it's not the cookie. Okra is a really good health food due to its high fiber, vitamin C, Okra is also known for being high in antioxidants!

 This is a simple and delicious dish, forget about the calories just enjoy it! 

Deep Fried Okra

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 2 large egg whites
• 1 pound okra, trimmed and sliced crosswise 1/2 inch thick
• 1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 quart vegetable oil
• Sweet chill sauce, for serving (optional)

Method

1.       In a large shallow bowl, whisk together egg whites and 2 tablespoons cold water. Add okra, and toss to coat completely.

2.       Combine cornmeal, flour, cayenne, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 1/4 teaspoon
ground pepper; divide between two shallow bowls. Lift half the okra
from egg mixture, letting excess drain off; add to cornmeal mixture in one
bowl, and toss to coat evenly. Repeat with remaining okra, adding it to
second bowl.

3.       In a deep 12-inch cast-iron skillet, heat oil to 375 F  on a deep-fry
thermometer. Carefully place half the okra in oil. Gently stir pieces
(without disturbing coating). Cook until golden brown, 3 to 6 minutes;
adjust heat as needed to keep oil temperature between 300 F and
350 F. With a slotted spoon, transfer okra to a paper-towel-lined baking
sheet to drain.

4.       Return oil to 375 F; repeat with remaining okra. Season with salt, and serve with sweet chill sauce, if desired.

Baked okra with tomato and ginger

Brian's colleague will do some charity work, so he will sleep outside just like a homeless person with a whole group of people. Actually I barely see homeless people outside here, I guess the UK's social welfare is really good, better than the U.S. even though they still have some homeless people here. I really admire him and people like that, though I can't follow in his footsteps. I hope he can survive the night outside and I will support him in spirit. If there are some charities that need volunteer to cook for homeless people, I'll be happy to do that. 

I hope Brian's colleague has a warm supper before going out in the cold. Baked okra with tomato and ginger from the Ottolenghi Cookbook will be good.  Ginger can help resist the cold; we used to drink ginger tea which was boiled with crystal sugar in winter.

                                                                                    Here is the recipe: