Homemade Fried Okra

(makes 6-8 servings)

Ingredients

• 6 cups cooking oil, for frying
• 1/2 cup of cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose or spelt flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 pounds fresh okra, sliced 1/2-inch thick or2 (10-oz.) packages frozen whole okra, thawed*
• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of black pepper

Directions

1. Heat oil in a deep heavy skillet or Dutch oven to 350F.  Note:  Do not fill the pan more than halfway up on both sides.
2. Combine the cornmeal, flour, and cayenne pepper in a medium shallow bowl.
3. Dip the okra in buttermilk and dredge in the cornmeal mixture to coat it completely.
4. Carefully add the okra to the hot oil and let it cook until it is brown.
5. Once the okra looks brown at the edges, remove with tongs and drain on paper towels and serve immediately!