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For this recipe, you need 2 cups of fresh okra. Make sure to chop it finely. Fresh okra brings a soft texture and unique flavor. You can find it at farmers' markets or grocery stores. Next, gather your dry ingredients: - 1 cup cornmeal - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1 teaspoon baking powder - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level) - Salt and pepper to taste These ingredients give the patties their crispy outer layer and a flavorful kick. Cornmeal adds crunch, while flour helps bind everything together. You will also need: - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1 large egg - 1 small onion, finely diced - 1 clove garlic, minced - Vegetable oil for frying Buttermilk adds moisture and tang, while the egg helps bind the mixture. Onions and garlic provide depth in flavor. For frying, use vegetable oil, which heats well and creates that golden crust. For the full recipe, refer to the complete instructions above. Start by washing the fresh okra. Remove the tops and tails, then chop it finely. Place the chopped okra in a large bowl. Next, add the diced onion and minced garlic. These will give great flavor. Pour in the buttermilk and stir everything well. You want it all mixed evenly. This mixture is the heart of your patties. In another bowl, combine the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and cayenne pepper. This adds a nice kick. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk the dry ingredients until they are free from lumps. This step is key for a nice texture in your patties. Now, slowly add the dry mix to your okra mixture. Stir gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Then, beat the egg in a small bowl and fold it into the mixture. This helps bind everything together. Let the mixture rest for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and the batter to thicken. You are now ready to fry your patties! For the full recipe, check out the previous section. To get that perfect crunch, use fresh okra. Fresh okra contains more moisture than frozen. Dry it well before mixing. After frying, place the patties on paper towels to soak up extra oil. You can also bake them at 400°F for about 10 minutes for added crispiness. This helps keep them nice and crunchy. You can control the heat by adjusting the cayenne pepper. If you like it mild, use less. For a spicy kick, add more. You can also add other spices, like paprika or black pepper, for added flavor. Experimenting with spices makes each batch unique and fun. The oil you choose matters for frying. Vegetable oil is a great choice because it has a high smoke point. Peanut oil is another option for a nutty flavor. Avoid olive oil; it burns too quickly. Always heat the oil until it shimmers, but do not let it smoke. This ensures the patties cook evenly and get that nice golden color. For the full recipe, check the details above! {{image_4}} You can easily make your Southern okra patties even better. Adding cheese adds a rich flavor. Cheddar or feta works well. Just mix in a cup of your choice before frying. You can also try fresh herbs. Chopped cilantro, parsley, or dill can brighten the taste. Stir in about a tablespoon of herbs for a fresh twist. For a vegetarian version, you can skip the egg. Instead, use a flaxseed egg. Mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This keeps the patties together without eggs. You can also add more veggies. Chopped bell peppers or corn add texture and flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, swap the all-purpose flour. Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure it has a good binding agent. You can also add extra cornmeal for crunch. This change keeps the patties tasty and safe for gluten-free diets. Enjoy your gluten-free Southern okra patties without missing out! For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above. Store leftover Southern okra patties in an airtight container. Make sure they cool to room temperature first. Place a paper towel inside to absorb extra moisture. This helps keep them crispy. They can last in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze okra patties, first let them cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about two hours until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible. They can stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. Reheat your okra patties in the oven for the best crispiness. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also reheat them in a skillet. Add a little oil and fry on medium heat for a few minutes until warmed through. Serve Southern okra patties hot and fresh. They taste best right out of the pan. I like to garnish them with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. A zesty dipping sauce adds a wonderful touch, too. You can use ranch dressing or a spicy remoulade. These patties make a great snack or side dish. They pair nicely with grilled meats or a fresh salad. Yes, you can use frozen okra for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it first. Frozen okra has more moisture than fresh, so it may change the texture a bit. Chop it finely, just like fresh okra. It will still taste great. This option is quick and convenient, especially when fresh okra is not available. Leftovers can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Reheat them in a skillet for the best texture. Avoid the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Enjoy your tasty Southern okra patties again as a quick lunch or snack! In this blog post, I covered how to make delicious Southern Okra Patties. We discussed the key ingredients, from fresh okra to the right dry mixes. Then, I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, mixing, and resting the mixture. I included tips for a crispy finish and ideas for variations, like adding cheese or keeping it vegetarian. Lastly, I provided storage info for leftovers. Enjoy crafting your patties and experimenting with flavors!

Southern Okra Patties

Savor the taste of the South with these delightful crispy Southern okra patties! This easy recipe combines fresh okra, cornmeal, and spices to create a golden, crunchy treat that's perfect as a snack or side dish. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up these flavorful patties that are sure to impress. Ready to enjoy a taste sensation? Click through to explore the full recipe and discover how to make these delicious bites at home!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups fresh okra, finely chopped

1 cup cornmeal

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup buttermilk

1 large egg

1 small onion, finely diced

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust according to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon baking powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped okra, diced onion, minced garlic, and buttermilk. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until they are well blended and free of lumps.

      Gradually add the dry ingredients to the okra mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to maintain texture.

        Beat the egg in a small bowl, then fold it into the okra batter until everything is cohesive. Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes; this will help thicken the batter and enhance the flavors.

          In a large skillet, pour in about 1/4 inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.

            Using a spoon or a small ice cream scoop, drop generous spoonfuls of the okra batter into the hot oil, pressing down slightly to form patties. Ensure there is enough space between each patty to allow for even frying—cook in batches if necessary.

              Fry each patty for approximately 3-4 minutes on one side until they are golden brown and crispy, then flip and repeat on the other side. Keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning.

                Once cooked, remove the patties from the skillet and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4

                    - Presentation Tips: Serve the crispy okra patties warm, adorned with a sprinkle of fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for a vibrant touch. Pair them with a zesty dipping sauce or homemade ranch dressing to elevate the flavor profile and delight your taste buds.