Okra with Olive Oil


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Okra with olive oil is one of the traditional and nutritious vegetable dishes of Turkish cuisine. Especially popular during the summer months, this light dish is ideal for those who want to eat healthily, and it's a classic that graces dinner tables with its delicious flavor. Known for being high in fiber, easy to digest, and refreshing, okra with olive oil stands out with its vibrant color and perfect texture when cooked with the right techniques without becoming slimy.

Ingredients for the Okra Olive Oil Recipe

  • 500 grams of fresh okra
  • 1 large onion
  • 2 ripe tomatoes
  • 1 clove of garlic (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon of tomato paste
  • 1 Turkish tea glass of extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon of sugar
  • 1.5 cups of hot water
  • Salt (to taste)

How to Make Okra with Olive Oil?

To keep the okra firm and prevent sliminess during the cooking of okra and olive oil certain tips should be followed. Here are the steps to prepare okra with olive oil properly:

  1. Cut the tops of the okra into a cone shape. This helps retain their appearance and reduces sliminess while cooking.
  2. Soak the cleaned okra in lemon water for 10–15 minutes to prevent browning.
  3. Pour olive oil into a wide pot and begin sautéing the finely chopped onion.
  4. Once the onions turn pink, add the crushed garlic and tomato paste; continue sautéing for a few more minutes.
  5. Add the grated tomatoes and cook until the juices are released and absorbed.
  6. Place the drained okra neatly into the pot. Add salt, sugar, and lemon juice on top.
  7. Slowly add the hot water from the side of the pot. Do not stir to prevent the okra from breaking apart. Close the lid.
  8. Cook on low heat for about 25–30 minutes. Once the okra is soft, turn off the heat.
  9. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate and serve cold.

Okra with Olive Oil Recipe Cooking Tips

These tips will directly affect the look and flavor of the okra olive oil recipe:

  • Okra selection: Choose small, fresh, and firm okra. Larger ones tend to have a fibrous texture.
  • Never stir: Stirring with a spoon after adding the okra increases the risk of sliminess. If needed, gently shake the pot instead.
  • Lemon juice is essential: It helps preserve the color and prevents the release of slime.
  • Olive oil quality: Using high-quality extra virgin olive oil enhances both the aroma and nutritional value of the dish.

Making Okra with Olive Oil: A Healthy Alternative

The uses of okra and olive oil in this dish make it an excellent option for those seeking a light, low-calorie meal. Since it contains no meat, it's suitable for both vegan and vegetarian diets. Its high fiber content supports digestion, and when combined with lemon and tomatoes, it becomes a meal rich in antioxidants.

To elevate the flavor of the dish, we recommend using Zöhre Olive Oil a cold pressed and naturally produced brand. Zöhre's balanced aroma and high polyphenol content bring out the best in vegetables like okra.

A Fresh Touch to Your Table with the Okra with Olive Oil Recipe

Let’s face it almost everyone has a nostalgic memory tied to an okra with olive oil recipe. But with this version, you can stay true to tradition while adapting it to modern kitchens. Practical, economical, and delicious, this dish offers a refreshing experience when served cold especially on hot summer evenings.