Prepare to transform your perception of okra forever with this mouthwatering recipe that turns the often-misunderstood vegetable into a crispy, flavor-packed delicacy! If you've ever been skeptical about okra's texture or taste, get ready for a culinary revelation that combines the Southern tradition of perfectly roasted vegetables with a decadent bacon twist that will have everyone at your table begging for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Southern
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh okra, trimmed
- 3 slices bacon
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
- Wash the fresh okra thoroughly under cool running water. Pat completely dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels to ensure crisp roasting.
- Trim the stem ends of the okra, cutting off just the tough top without cutting into the pod. Slice larger okra pods in half lengthwise if they are more than 3 inches long to ensure even roasting.
- Spread the prepared okra in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Place the bacon slices in a cold skillet and cook over medium heat, turning occasionally, until crisp and golden brown. This should take about 7-8 minutes.
- Remove bacon from the skillet and drain on paper towels. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the bacon drippings in the skillet.
- Roast the okra in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, turning once halfway through, until edges are crispy and slightly charred.
- While okra is roasting, crumble the cooked bacon and set aside. In the same skillet with bacon drippings, whisk in apple cider vinegar and Dijon mustard to create the warm vinaigrette.
- Remove roasted okra from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Immediately drizzle with the warm bacon vinaigrette.
- Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the okra. Serve hot and enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Tips
- Drying is Key: Ensure your okra is completely dry before roasting to achieve maximum crispiness. Any moisture will prevent the perfect char and crisp edges.
- Don't Overcrowd: Spread okra in a single layer on the baking sheet. Overcrowding will steam the vegetable instead of roasting it.
- Bacon Drippings Magic: Save those bacon drippings! They add an incredible depth of flavor to the vinaigrette that store-bought dressings can't match.
- Size Matters: For larger okra pods, slice them lengthwise to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed hot, right out of the oven. The crispy texture and warm vinaigrette are at their peak when served fresh.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 80kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 3g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 8mg
