Family Dinner: Okra Stir Fry

You may remember from a previous post that I am a huge fan of okra. Maybe that's because I'm originally from Texas (where it's pickled, fried and stewed all the time), but it just as likely may be the flavor (yum!) and it's overall healthfulness.

According to the Good Eats episode currently paused on my DVR, okra is a fantastic source of dietary fiber--one cup has a whopping 4 grams--Vitamins A, C and Folate. So if you are expecting (just passing on the info, people) okra is an excellent veggie to add into your weekly menu. Additionally, the slimy goop that many kids and husbands, like Doni, are turned off by is actually pectin. According to Alton Brown, you can't make a gumbo without okra as a helpful thickening agent.

Tonight I reached for the okra because I just happened to have a bunch of it hiding away in my freezer. D is working late so I made myself this simple and hearty peanut sauce stir fry. This is a very versatile recipe--feel free to replace the broccoli with your favorite veggies or the tofu with actual meat. I also think that some baby corn would be a great addition.

Stir Fry with Peanut Sauce
Parve and Vegan
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 bag of frozen okra
1 box of tofu or meat substitute
1 bag of frozen broccoli1/2 Tablespoon olive oil
1/4 cup water
salt and pepper, as desired

For the sauce:
2 Tablespoons peanut buutter (I used chunky)
2 Tablespoons Hoisen Sauce (or soy sauce to taste)
2 Tablespoons water
Cayenne pepper (or red pepper flakes) as desired

Directions. Coat the bottom of a wok or large pan with olive oil and toss in the garlic over medium heat. Let cook for 2 minutes. Add in the okra and broccoli, cooking for about 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated and completely defrosted. Toss in the tofu and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If the stir fry begins to stick, add some water and scrape the bottom of the pan with a spoon to loosen up all the overcooked goodness. Let the stir fry sit on medium heat until the water is completely cooked out and the ingredients are cooked to your liking. (I like it on the charred side.) Meanwhile, whisk together the peanut sauce ingredients and microwave for 45 seconds. Serve the stir fry with rice or couscous and top with the sauce. Enjoy!