Market Fresh Recipe: Spiced Okra

Okra is a tempermental vegetable. Cooked improperly, it will slime you worse than a Nickelodeon awards show.

However, when prepared well, the inherent sliminess of okra tranforms into this wonderfully juicy, tender quality. This recipe roasts okra with olive oil, which crisps it up beautifully. It's finished with fresh lemon juice and curry powder, bringing out its savory flavor.

In season now, okra has many health benefits. It's high in vitamins A and C, and a good source of iron and calcium.

So next time you're at the Hollywood Famers Market, don't shy away from the okra. Instead, make this spicy recipe.

Spiced Okra
Serves 4 people
Cooking time: 35 minutes
Vegan; gluten-free

Ingredients

• 4 cups okra, halved diagonally
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• salt and pepper
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
2. Meanwhile, place the okra in a roasting pan or Pyrex dish and toss with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until tender and beginning to caramelize.
3. Remove from the oven. Quickly, toss with the curry powder and lemon juice while it's still sizzling hot. Allow to rest for 5 minutes. Enjoy!