Q&A for How to Cook Okra

Fry the okra for about one to two minutes, as that process allows the mucous membrane around the seeds to break down.

Don't drink it while it's boiling, but once cooled down, it is safe to consume.

Heat a skillet with bacon grease over medium-high heat until hot. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Add some chopped onions and cook until just beginning to turn translucent. Add pre-treated okra and sauté 2-3 minutes. Then add fresh or thawed frozen corn and chopped tomatoes and sauté over medium-low heat 10-15 minutes, stirring frequently. If more moisture is needed, add a few tablespoons of vegetable stock. I like mine spicy so I add some tomato paste and Creole seasoning to taste (and a few pinches of sugar and salt until I get what I like!).

Yes, they can. They can be added to salads or just halved lengthwise and then seasoned with salt and plenty of black pepper.

Do a search for a Creole gumbo recipe to try. There are many different styles of this dish. My favorite is a particularly delicious New Orleans version using andouille sausage, crab, and shrimp. Just never forget the gumbo file powder!