Family Recipe Friday - Mama's Fried Okra

There was no one like my Mama when it came to fixing fried okra! You've heard me say before, my Mama was not a gourmet chef...by a long shot! But when Mama could make something good, it was good every time. And this is one of those recipes that I simply love!

 

Mama's Fried Okra

 

Ingredients

• 6 cups oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds fresh okra, sliced 1/2-inch thick (or you can leave them whole if you prefer, just like Mama did!)
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

Directions

Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. (You may not need to use this much oil; do not fill the pan more than halfway up the sides with oil.)  Mama always used her cast iron chicken fryer for this.

In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, and cayenne pepper. Dip okra in buttermilk and then dredge in cornmeal-flour mixture to coat well. Carefully add okra to the hot oil and cook until golden brown. (It may be necessary to fry the okra in batches.) Remove from oil, drain on paper towels, and then serve immediately.

Well my tongue is simply slapping my forehead silly trying to find some of this! Mmm mmm mmm!