Roasted Potato and Okra Salad
04Last year, I made this cornmeal-crusted okra on a few occasions and it turned Tom into a convert. It was also eaten with gusto by Zachary. When I made this salad, I had another green vegetable on hand for the kids, because I wasn’t sure if they would like it. Sure, the okra doesn’t get as slimy when roasted as it does stewed, but I knew it wouldn’t be quite as crispy and easy to eat as the cornmeal-crusted version. Well, Zachary asked for more okra 4 times. And then the next day when I was having some leftovers, he asked for the rest of that, too. Ian ate it, too. Tom still prefers the cornmeal prep, but did enjoy this salad. So, I guess this was a hit.
Personally, I’ve never grilled okra, but my guess is you could skewer it and do so, and then grill the potatoes, too, if you wanted to try a different version of this. But, I LOVE roasted potatoes—especially fingerlings—so roasting was a no-brainer for me. We had grilled out the night before, though, and I had Tom set aside some of the corn he grilled for this salad. However, if you can’t/don’t do that, I would roast the corn as well because why bother dirtying another pot and dealing with boiling water?
The original recipe also calls for fava beans, which I don’t doubt would be great in this salad. Buuut I didn’t really notice they were supposed to be in there until 5 minutes before I started making it. I also added entire scallions instead of the white parts, like the recipe called for. Reading comprehension fail. Luckily, to no one’s detriment. 🙂
Roasted Potato and Okra Salad
Adapted from Gourmet via Erin’s Food Files
2 lb. small potatoes (I used fingerling)
1 large bunch scallions – whites only, sliced lengthwise (use greens for garnish at the end if desired)
2 large fresh rosemary springs, plus 1/2 tsp. chopped
4 Tbsp. olive oil, divided
1 lb. okra
1 cup fresh corn (from 1-2 ears you’ve boiled or roasted)
2 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. finely chopped shallot
Place a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat to 450. Halve the potatoes lengthwise and toss on a baking sheet with scallion pieces, rosemary sprigs, 2 Tbsp. oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Roast, stirring once, for about 10 minutes. Stir the potatoes and add the okra to the pan, tossing to coat. Roast until okra and potatoes are tender, about 20-30 minutes longer.
Whisk together lemon juice, remaining 2 Tbsp. olive oil, 1/2 tsp. chopped rosemary, and salt and pepper to taste.
Place the hot okra and potatoes in a serving bowl, discarding the rosemary springs. Stir in the corn. Add the dressing, stirring to combine. Season with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Allow salad to cool slightly before serving.
I lived in the south long enough to consider okra a regular ole vegetable like broccoli or green beans. It’s so good in soups, stews, and of course, fried!
I have very little experience with okra. But what I have, I have liked. I hate to admit this, but I wonder if I can get it at my market. I like cooking things that are surprising. This salad would fall in that category.
So much goodness in this salad! Yum!
I LOVE okra, and thankfully the.boy is pretty okay with it so this salad is definitely making it into our summer rotation! Another mayo-less potato salad to add into the mix. Love it!