Mediterranean-Style Okra

INGREDIENTS (Serves: 4)

Extra virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped (~1 cup)
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 small green chiles such as jalapeno, chopped
1 lb frozen / fresh cut okra sliced into rounds
1 tsp ground allspice
½ tsp. Coriander
½ tsp. Paprika
1 ½ cup crushed tomatoes
½ cup water
1 tomato sliced into rounds
Juice of ½ lime
Salt and pepper

STEPS

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high until shimmering ut not smoking;
2. Lower the heat to medium and add the onions, garlic, and chopped jalapeno peppers;
3. Cook for 4-5 minutes stirring regularly (don’t let the garlic burn);
4. Add the okra and saute for 5-7 minutes over medium-high heat;
5. Season with kosher salt, black pepper and spices. Toss to coat;
6. Add the crushed tomatoes and water. Stir to combine;
7. Add the tomato slices on top. Bring to a boil, then turn the heat to low and cover most of the way;
8. Let the okra simmer on low heat for 20-25 minutes / until the okra has softened;
9. Uncover and add juice of ½ lime;
10. Remove from heat and serve over rice / with warm pita bread.

TIPS

1. You can substitute coriander with cumin, garam masala, or even curry powder.

WELLNESS TIPS

1. Okra have diversities of health benefit. A substance called mucilage that is in okra has the ability to low blood cholesterol, making okra a food that reduces the risk of heart disease.
2. Okra also have the ability to low blood glucose/sugar. But okra might interact with some diabetes medicine, so it is not recommended to have okra with diabetes medicine.
3. The high content of folate is beneficial for women who is pregnant or getting ready to be pregnant.

Recipe adapted from: https://www.themediterraneandish.com/mediterranean-one-skillet-okra-and-tomatoes-recipe/#recipe