Southern Style

Fired Okra, doesn't get much more southern than that.

1/2 lb okra, that is indeed a lot, cut into 1 in pieces, discard the stem ends, too woody
1 egg
1 tbs water
1 c corn meal
1 tbs chili powder
1 tsp salt
dash pepper
1 tsp cumin, keeps 'em guessing
3 cups veg oil in a solid, sturdy, non-teflon pot for frying.

beat the egg & water and reserve in a bowl for the first coat.

all the dry ingredients together in a bowl, well sifted and mixed together.

take the okra pieces, give 'em a good once around in the eggy bath, then remove and dump INDIVIDUALLY into the dust bow. Flip to coat. If you are new to this, use a fork or tongs. Must keep separate, does not play well with others = clumping and un even frying.

Plop individual pieces into hot oil, you will know the oil is at temp b/c it will bubble instantly when it comes into contact with anything that is consumable.

Fry for like 60-90 sec or until "Golden Brown" overstated, but really is the magic color.

REmove and strain on paper towel. Serve dusted in salt with catsup. Amazin'