9 new and surprising ways to cook with okra

You may have had okra in soups and stews, but have you ever considered roasting it as a side dish or baking it into your main entree? Sometimes called a “superfood,” okra has surprisingly great health benefits, so you may want to consider adding it to your diet more frequently.

Okra contains oligomeric catechins and flavonoid derivatives, which are fancy words for things that have been linked to a lower risk of cancer. And although studies are in the early stages, some research has shown that okra lowers blood sugar levels, potentially proving this food to be a form of diabetes management.

As the facts about these health benefits continue to develop, find out how to vary your okra recipes so you can eat more of it!

1. Roasted Okra With Garlic Butter

Pretty much every vegetable is better roasted (and drizzled with garlic butter), so this side dish is sure to be a hit. Get the full recipe from Steele House Kitchen.

2. Okra Fries

Instead of serving french fries alongside the burgers and hot dogs this summer, you might consider these crispy okra fries as a healthier alternative. Get the recipe from Health Nut.

3. Okra Bites

These cute little okra bites are made using cornmeal, so they can easily replace cornbread as a delicious side. Yum! Get the recipe from Plain Chicken.

4. Bacon-Wrapped Okra

Bacon can be deliciously wrapped around so many foods: corn on the cob, onion rings, pickles and more. Now there’s a unique appetizer recipe that features the deliciousness of bacon plus okra’s nutrients. Give it a try using the recipe from the I Heart Publix blog.

Make your bacon using this amazing vertical cooker!

5. Baked Popcorn Okra

Imagine serving this up to your kids as a lunchtime snack instead of popcorn chicken (or even just ordinary popcorn). It’s baked instead of fried and disguises the vegetables from your kiddos, making this a meal they won’t even know is good for them! Get the recipe from Vegan Richa.

6. Okra And Corn Maque Choux

This veggie-filled side dish can be your contribution to BBQs all summer long. Hearty and flavorful — yet light — it’s the perfect crowd-pleaser at any event. Get the recipe from The Domestic Curator.

7. Orange Balsamic Roasted Okra

Balsamic vinegar, orange juice and honey come together for a unique flavor combination in this sweet-savory side dish. Find the full recipe over at The Endless Meal.

8. Okra And Tomato Casserole

Breadcrumbs, flour, okra and tomatoes combine to make an interesting dish that’s chock-full of veggies and baked until it’s a perfect golden-brown color. See the recipe on the Olives & Okra blog.

9. Farmer’s Market Fritters

If you’re looking for an appetizer to serve at your next get-together, consider these fritters, which are full of seasonal vegetables. Plate them with sour cream and fresh chives and you’ve got something your guests will love! Get the recipe at Maebells.

So, thinking of making this green superfood a part of your normal routine? These recipes may convince us all to eat okra a little more often!