Fried Okra is one of my favorite vegan dishes. Accompanied by sada roti, it is the perfection savory combination. In this recipe, okra is sliced thinly, aired dried overnight in a sheet on the counter or under the blazing mid day sun, then shallow fried with onion, garlic and hot pepper in oil until it achieves a surprising crispiness. The air and sun drying eliminates the sliminess that dissuades many from this nutritious vegetable. Give this recipe a try! I promise you won't be disappointed.
Rinse and drain okra until dry. Cut off the stems and slice into thin rounds.
Place in a single layer on a sheet pan or tray and air dry overnight or a couple of hours on the kitchen counter. Alternatively, you may place the sheet pan outside in direct sun on a hot day.
Heat oil, preferably in a non-stick frying pan, over medium heat. Add okra and stir to coat with oil. Cook for 5 minutes untouched, or until the bottom is crisp and brown. Add onion, garlic, hot pepper and flip okra with a spatula. Cook for 5 minutes or until the bottom layer is also brown and crisp. Continue the process until the okra reaches your desired crispness and color.
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Notes
Enjoy with sada, paratha or dosti roti.If you wish for crisp okra, do not stir too often. If you like your okra light in color and mashed, cook over medium low heat and stir okra frequently.