HOW TO PREPARE FRESH OKRA (BAMIA) BEFORE COOKING

How to Prepare Fresh Okra (Bamia) Before Cooking image

Provided by UmmBinat

Categories Gumbo

Time 35m

Yield 1 lb, 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 3

1/2 cup vinegar (Greeks use red wine vinegar which is not halal)
1 lb fresh okra
2 tablespoons oil (if freezing) or 8 cups boiling water

Steps:

Wash well handling gently.
Trim stem end without cutting into pod.
Trim around top of stem attached to pod, removing a thin layer.
Remove fuzz under running water by rubbing pod gently with a nylon scourer. If okra is young there is no need to do this.
Spread out and leave until dry.
Place in a bowl and pour on vinigar tossing gently so that vinegar coats okra.
Leave for 30 minutes.
Drain and rinse well.
Dry and use as directed in recipes.
TO FREEZE.
Method 1.
Prepare as above and dry.
In a deep pan heat oil and fry okra for 5 miutes, tossing gently with a wooden spoon.
Cool and put into freezer bags, expel air, seal and label. Pack into freezer.
Method 2.
Prepare as above.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Have a bowl of ice water ready.
Place prepared okra into a frying basket and lower into boiling water.
Boil for 3 miutes, timed from when the water returns to a boil.
Lift out and place in ice water for 3 minutes.
Drain well, put into freezer bags, expel air, seal and label. Pack into freezer.