Anna Belle’s Okra Chow Chow
from Chef Josh Horrigan of the Chef’s Academy and Anna Belle’s Garden
Prepare these ingredients:
- 3 cups young tender okra cut into very thin circles
- 3 ears of sweet corn cut off the cob
- 2 red bell peppers diced
- 2 sweet banana peppers diced
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 large green tomato chopped
- 1 small to medium onion diced
- 1 cup diced cucumbers, peeled & seeded
Bring the following ingredients to a boil:
- 3 cups rice wine vinegar
- 1 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon whole mustard seeds
- 4 cloves of garlic
- 5 black peppercorns
- A pinch of salt
- 1 star anise
As soon as it comes to a boil, strain the mixture and pour over the vegetables. Allow the combined mixture to cool. When fully cooled, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add a handful of coarsely chopped cilantro to serve. Serves 6.
My on-line research came up with these additional tasty ways to prepare okra — everything from a classic southern gumbo to a very contemporary wonton! Who knew you could do so much with that funny-looking little vegetable?
Classic Gumbo – a southern tradition!
Smoked Pork Chops with Corn and Okra – Cajun style!
Braised Chicken with Succotash – brilliant!
Pork Tenderloin with Fried Okra and Pickled Watermelon – three times delicious!
Sauteed Okra with Heirloom Tomatoes and Bacon – who wouldn’t like that?
Okra Pancakes – breakfast gone wild!
Corn and Okra Wontons – I can’t wait to try this!
photos (left) from Williams Sonoma Agrarian, (right) from Tasting Table, and (center) from Manolo’s Food Blog
