From Gumbo to Pickles: Okra Recipes for the Southern Palate

Three Delicious Recipes and Tips for Perfecting Okra

Okra, the vegetable that everybody loves to hate, is in season right now and we have three delicious recipes featuring these green pods: okra gumbo, sautéed okra and tomatoes, and pickled okra!

One of the reasons we wanted to highlight okra is because of its historical significance within African American foodways. Okra is one of many crops/plants that was brought over during the forced migration of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas (during the period of the transatlantic slave trade).

What a lot of people don’t know, is that okra is also called gumbo, derived from the word 'gombo' used in several West African languages to refer to okra. Okra soup, okra, and ochra were used interchangeably in historic black cookbooks when referring to what we call gumbo.

Civil War Era

In Toni Tipton-Martin’s book, Jubilee: Recipes from Two Centuries of African American Cooking: A Cookbook, she talks about how during the Civil War when Southerners struggled to get coffee, sugar, and rum, they would even brew okra, as a coffee substitute, over an open fire.

Cultural Perceptions

According to Maum Chrish', fried okra was actually considered “white people food”, because the Gullah Geechee believed that okra wasn’t meant to be chewed, but rather incorporated into soups and stews with its mucilaginous texture.

So, as you can see, okra is a culinary heritage staple of Black cooking and the many ways that it’s still prepared more than four hundred years later is representative of Black culinary style.

Historical Significance

From its rich history rooted in African American foodways to its transformation into Southern dishes like gumbo, sautéed okra, and pickled okra, there's so much more to ingredient than meets the eye.

By understanding its historical significance and mastering the art of cooking it, you can uncover a new appreciation for okra and its role in Black soul food cuisine.

Whether you’re a lifelong okra enthusiast or someone who’s hesitant to try it, I hope these recipes and tips inspire you to give it a chance.

Why Some People Don’t Like Okra

I’m convinced that the number one reason people dislike okra is due to a lack exposure or lack of understanding of how to prepare it correctly.

Most people say they don’t like the texture, which can be somewhat slimy when cooked. Well, I’m here to tell you that you’re probably doing it wrong.

The way okra is prepared matters. A lot. A well-prepared dish, like okra gumbo, can highlight both its flavor and texture.

How to Reduce the Sliminess of Okra When Cooking

• Choose Smaller Pods: Smaller okra pods tend to be less slimy than larger ones. Look for okra that is about 2-3 inches long.

• Cook Okra Whole: Cooking okra whole, especially when grilling or roasting, can help retain its natural juices and reduce the release of mucilage.

• Acidic Ingredients: Adding acidic ingredients like tomatoes, vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice to dishes with okra can help neutralize its sliminess. This is why okra is often paired with tomatoes in stews and sauces.

• Dry Cooking Methods: Frying, grilling, or roasting okra at high temperatures can help evaporate moisture quickly and reduce sliminess. This approach is commonly used in dishes like fried okra or grilled okra skewers.

• Quick Cooking: Okra should be cooked quickly over high heat to minimize the time it releases its mucilage. Avoid overcooking, as prolonged cooking can make okra more slimy (an example is how okra serves as a natural thickener in gumbo).

How to Clean Okra

Cleaning okra removes dirt, debris, and possible pesticide residues, ensuring it's fresh and safe to eat. It also improves the texture and flavor of the cooked vegetable, making your dishes taste better!

1. Rinse Under Cold Water: Place the okra in a colander or a large bowl. Rinse it thoroughly under cold running water to remove any surface dirt.

2. Use a Brush (Optional): If the okra is particularly dirty, you can use a vegetable brush to scrub the surface gently while rinsing it. This is especially useful for removing any stubborn dirt.

3. Pat Dry: After rinsing, pat the okra dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. This step is important if you plan to fry or roast the okra, as excess moisture can cause splattering.

For more Southern and soul food recipes visit cookswithsoul.com.

Exclusive Recipes:

1. Okra Gumbo

Yield: Approximately 6-8 servings

Prep Time: 40 minutes

Cook Time: 2-3 hours (including simmering time)

Ingredients