|
Â
 |
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 |
Â
Basic
- Preparing Okra
Â
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.
Â
Optional
Preparations/Cuts  (see Main Vegetable Preparation Page forÂ
explanations and photos)
Â
|
Baton |
Brunoise |
Chunk |
Cube |
Dice/chop |
Grate |
Julienne |
| x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
| Â |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Matchsticks |
Mashed |
Paysanne |
Pur�ed |
Shred |
Slice |
Sulfrino |
| x |
x |
x |
x |
x |
Y |
x |
|
Â
|
Â
Suitable methods
and timing for cooking Okras
|
| Â |
 |
 |
|
Bake/Roast |
y |
Whole = 15 minutes Coat with oil. |
|
Boil |
y |
Whole =  7 - 10 minutes
|
|
Fry/Saut� |
y |
Whole  = coat with flour - 5 - 10 minutesÂ
until golden brown
|
|
Grill |
y |
Whole = 10 - 15 minutes Brush with oil.
|
|
Microwave |
y |
Slices =  2-3 minutes
(225g/8oz) |
|
Steam |
y |
Whole,  Slices  = Â
8 - 10 minutes
|
|
Stuff |
x |
 |
|
|
