Deep Fried Okra 1/2 pound okra cut into 1/2" pieces whites from 1 egg 1 cup corn meal mix ( I use Aunt Jemima's) Heat oil to 350 degrees In small bowl mix okra with egg whites until all pieces are coated Put corn meal mix in shallow dish, add okra a few pieces at a time, coat them with mix and put on a plate. Continue until all pieces are coated with mix. Add about half the okra at a time to deep fryer. Cook until golden brown ( 2- 3 minutes.)
Okra isn't served anywhere we've been here in Colorado. Guess it's a southern food. Only two restaurants here serve grits, Cracker Barrel and Waffle House. Another southern food? Actually there are different "southern" type foods that are not sold in the Rocky Mountain Region restaurants, like they are in the south, like Florida.
Used to feed okra to their hogs in Wissconsin; humans up there didn't eat it. I buy mine already breaded. Had a helping of okra last night along with a coup;e green onions, and a slice of bread. Need to go to grocery store soon as I'm able.
I love fried okra but I can't deal with it boiled. My mother used to fry it unbreaded in a bit of bacon grease; more of a "saute".
I cook mine the same way your mom did, but with a bit of regular oil. The only time I like it cooked in a pot is a few whole pieces with white acre peas. Fried okra is my absolute favorite vegetable.
Mama also used to put the small whole okra pods in with butter beans. She and daddy loved boiled okra but I'd pick out the beans. When I make vegetable soup or gumbo I use okra, but cut it up small.
I cook mine that way except that I put salt and pepper on them then coat them with flour. I put a few of them at a time into hot grease in my iron frying pan. They are delicious. Crispy crunchy and better than French Fries.
I never heard of anyone frying it whole!! That is an amazing idea. I'll have to go to the store tomorrow. Wow! BTW: Nice to see you and your new avatar!
Sorry, @Bess Barber . I forgot to say that I cut it up first. I did eat some recently at a small country café that was fried whole. It was good.