FRESH CORN SAUTé WITH TOMATOES, SQUASH, AND FRIED OKRA

Fresh Corn Sauté with Tomatoes, Squash, and Fried Okra image

Provided by Brandi Neuwirth

Yield Makes 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 10

1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon (or more) cayenne pepper
12 okra pods, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
2 cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 3 ears of corn)
6 baby green pattypan squash, each cut into 6 pieces
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1 12-ounce bag cherry tomatoes, halved (2 cups)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 green onions, chopped

Steps:

Mix cornmeal and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne in small bowl. Add okra and toss lightly to coat. Pour okra into sieve and shake off excess cornmeal.
Heat 4 tablespoons oil in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add okra and sauté until coating is golden brown, stirring occasionally, about 6 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer okra to paper towels to drain; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Wipe out skillet. Heat remaining 2 tablespoons oil in same skillet over medium heat. Add corn, squash, and garlic; sauté 2 minutes. Add tomatoes; cover and cook until squash is crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Mix in okra, cilantro, and green onions. Remove from heat. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and more cayenne, if desired.