Oven Fried Okra

Oven Fried Okra

My mom is from the South and when we go visit family, I would always get Fried Okra  I don't really like okra very much but I do love fried okra!  In my quest to eat a little more healthy, I was very pleased to find this oven fried okra recipe without the actual frying, loads of oil, butter, etc.  It is perfectly crispy and has a bit of kick with the seasonings!  Might become my new favorite side dish! 

Ingredients:
16 oz. bag frozen sliced okra, thawed
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
1 cup yellow corn meal
Canola oil spray
1 gallon zip lock bag

Directions:
Preheat oven to 425*F.  Turn the zip-lock bag inside out and spray with canola oil spray.  Pour the okra in the bag along with the Cajun seasoning and garlic salt.  Seal bag and shake vigorously.  Let rest for 10 minutes so the juices extract from the okra.  Add the cornmeal to the bag and shake up again.  Pour okra over a strainer or colander (over the sink) so the extra cornmeal will fall off.  Spread the okra over a foil covered baking sheet and spread out evenly.  Spray okra with canola oil spray.  Bake for 20 minutes, remove from oven, flip okra over, lightly spray with canola oil again and return to oven for 20 more minutes. 


Cajun Seasoning Mix:
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoons garlic powder
2 tablespoons dried oregano
2 tablespoons dried basil
1 tablespoon dried thyme
1 tablespoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon white pepper
1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
5 tablespoons paprika
3 tablespoons salt


By: Cookin' Cowgirl