If you’re from the South, you may have grown up eating okra – fried, in a gumbo, stewed with tomatoes. The okra plant thrives in warmer climates – in fact, it is among the crops most resistant to heat and drought on the planet!
Okra, which is actually a fruit, is low in fat and high in vitamin C and antioxidants. It offers a slew of health benefits, including reducing stress and fatigue and helping fight diseases such as diabetes.
So, don’t dismiss okra just because of its characteristic sliminess. The glutinous substance, known as mucilage, that is produced when okra seed pods are cooked is a good source of fiber and can be used to purify water! But if you still don’t like that viscous quality, cooking okra with an acidic food, such as tomatoes, can help make it less slimy.
The following healthy okra recipe is sure to make you smile this summer.
Smoky Garlic Roasted Okra
4
servings15
minutesThis recipe is a quick way to enjoy all of the health benefits of okra in an easy, tasty side dish. It’s perfect for summer and can be spiced up with additional cayenne pepper if you like heat.
Ingredients
- 1 lb.
okra
- 1 tsp.
smoked paprika
- 1 Tbsp.
garlic powder
- ½ tsp.
salt
- ½ tsp.
cayenne pepper (add additional cayenne pepper to taste for extra spice)
- 1 Tbsp.
melted plant-based butter (I use Earth Balance Original or Country Crock Plant Butter)
Directions
Preheat oven to 450° F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash the okra and pat dry. Slice tops off and cut into 1/2-inch to 1-inch pieces.
Combine the spices together in a small dish and sprinkle over the sliced okra. Mix well.
Drizzle the melted plant-based butter over the okra and stir well.
Spread out okra evenly on the baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.
“I grew up eating the traditional fried okra that we are famous for here in the South, but I really wanted to find a healthier option for preparation. This recipe is a quick way to enjoy all of the health benefits of okra in an easy, tasty side dish. It’s perfect for summer and can be spiced up with additional cayenne pepper if you like heat.”
