stretch that okra!

Recipe by
Fredda Rosenbaum
Abilene, TX

I grew up in a large family, and okra was a real treat for us. If the okra was insufficient for our crowd, Mom would stretch it with onion and potatoes. I liked this version better than plain fried okra!

yield 8 -10
prep time 1 Hr 20 Min
cook time 30 Min
method Pan Fry

Ingredients For stretch that okra!

  • 3-4
    potatoes
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 2-3 c
    sliced okra
  • 1/2 c
    buttermilk
  • 1/4 c
    all-purpose flour
  • 1 c
    corn meal
  • 1/2 tsp
    salt
  • 1/2 tsp
    cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp
    garlic powder
  • vegetable oil
  • 1 tsp
    bacon grease (optional)
  • 1 md
    diced onion

How To Make stretch that okra!

  • 1
    Earlier in the day, or a few days ahead, boil or bake 4 medium or 3 large potatoes.
  • 2
    When ready to prepare the recipe, skin the potatoes. Dice the potatoes in 1/2 to 3/4 inch cubes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt. Set aside.
  • 3
    Put the sliced okra in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over the okra just to cover.
  • 4
    Combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper and garlic powder.
  • 5
    Lift the okra out of the buttermilk a little at a time, letting the excess buttermilk drain off the okra.
  • 6
    Roll the drained okra in the cornmeal mixture in small batches. Set the okra on wire rack or foil until all of the okra breading is complete
  • 7
    Heat a 10-12" iron skillet (or nonstick skillet) on medium heat while finishing the breading process.
  • 8
    When the skillet is hot, add vegetable oil and the (optional) bacon grease to completely cover the bottom of the skillet.
  • 9
    As the oil begins to shimmer, start frying the okra in uncrowded batches. Add vegetable oil as needed.
  • 10
    Set aside the fried okra, taking care to give the pieces room to "set" the breading. (Avoid making the okra steam.)
  • 11
    Once the okra is done and removed from the skillet, sauté the diced onion.
  • 12
    When the onion is translucent, stir in the diced potatoes. Keep cooking until the potatoes have a crispy edge.
  • 13
    Gently stir in the breaded & cooked okra. Don't overdo; you don't want to pulverize the okra.
  • 14
    Serve once the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
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