 |
Common
Names: |
Okra, Ladies fingers, bhindi, gumbo |
Family: |
Malvaceae |
In
Season: |
Early
Summer to Autumn |
Buying: |
Choose stems which are firm, not bendy, which snap
cleanly and which are no longer than 5 - 7.5cm/2 - 3 inches.
Larger pods tend to be tough. |
Storing: |
Unwashed
in a paper bag up to 3 days in the
refrigerator or in a cool, dark, dry place. |
Serving Allowances: |
100g/4oz
Per Person |
Basic
- Preparing Okra
Cut off a small piece from both the stalk and
tip of each okra. If the pods are very "fuzzy," rub them lightly with a
kitchen towel to remove some of the unwanted fuzz. Wash and dry
well before using.
Optional
Preparations/Cuts (see Main Vegetable Preparation Page for
explanations and photos)
Baton |
Brunoise |
Chunk |
Cube |
Dice/chop |
Grate |
Julienne |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Matchsticks |
Mashed |
Paysanne |
Pur�ed |
Shred |
Slice |
Sulfrino |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Y |
x |
|
Suitable methods
and timing for cooking Okras
|
|
|
|
Bake/Roast |
y |
Whole = 15 minutes Coat with oil. |
Boil |
y |
Whole = 7 - 10 minutes
|
Fry/Saut� |
y |
Whole = coat with flour - 5 - 10 minutes
until golden brown
|
Grill |
y |
Whole = 10 - 15 minutes Brush with oil.
|
Microwave |
y |
Slices = 2-3 minutes
(225g/8oz) |
Steam |
y |
Whole, Slices =
8 - 10 minutes
|
Stuff |
x |
|
|
|