Pan-Fried Whole Okra

Ingredients

• 12-15 whole okra pods
• 1 cup Buttermilk
• 1 cup All-purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Cornmeal
• 1/4 cup Panko Crumbs
• 1/4 cup Potato Starch
• 1/3 cup Benne or Sesame Seeds
• 1/4 cup Pepitas Seeds
• 1 tsp Aleppo or Red Pepper Flakes
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Dried Thyme
• 1 tsp Kosher or Sea Salt
• 1 tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder

Instructions

1. 1

   Toast the pepitas, allow to cool, and crush coarsely using a spice grinder or flat side of a pan or mallet.

2. 2

   Mix crushed pepitas with sesame seeds, pepper flakes, and spices in a ramekin or small mixing bowl.

3. 3

   Add flour, cornmeal, panko breadcrumbs, and potato starch to a large mixing bowl. Add the crushed pepitas mix. Set aside.

4. 4

   Soak okra in the buttermilk.

5. 5

   Coat the okra in the flour mixture. Allow to rest 10 mounts on a wired rack lined baking sheet.

6. 6

   Pre-heat oil to 350 degrees. Fry okra in batches 5-6 minutes. Okra is ready when it starts to float in the oil.

7. 7

   Let drain on wire rack. Serve with remoulade sauce.