Garlic Roasted Okra

This Garlic Roasted Okra is an incredibly delicious dish. Tender roasted okra with lots of garlic and flavorful seasonings, this recipe is sure to become one of your favorites.

I know okra gets a bad rap because it's known for being slimy, but when it's cooked right, it makes a delicious vegetable dish to add to your table. This Garlic Roasted Okra is mouthwateringly tender after roasting in the oven and has a rich flavor thanks to the plant butter and seasoning it's tossed in. Not slimy at all, this okra dish is deliciousness in every bite.

Okra is a great vegetable to work with because it contains a lot of vitamins and minerals, including magnesium, folate, Vitamin C, and fiber. It also has a mild flavor, which makes it perfect for mixing with your favorite seasonings and serving with other dishes. This simple recipe is very complementary and packs a lot of flavor. Let's look at what you'll need.

What you'll need

• Okra. When buying okra, look for smooth, tender, blemish-free, bright green pods. Avoid pods with brown spots, dry ends, or overly large pods.
• Plant Butter. I am using butter to add extra aroma to this dish. You can use olive oil instead, if you prefer.
• Garlic Powder. Garlic powder works better than fresh garlic in this recipe because it adds the flavor, but doesn't burn while roasting.
• Paprika. Adds a sweet, peppery taste to the okra, though not spicy.
• Salt.

How to make this roasted okra

1.  Rinse the okra and dry it with a paper towel. Trim away the stem ends, and then cut it into ½ to ¾-inch pieces. Place the okra into a medium-sized mixing bowl.

2. In a small dish, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, and salt.

3. Sprinkle the seasoning mix over the okra and add the melted butter. Mix everything well.

4. Transfer the okra to a large parchment paper-lined baking sheet and spread them out evenly.

5. Bake the okra for about 15 minutes at 450°F. Serve.

How to buy and store fresh okra

Buying the right okra can really make a difference in this recipe. You're looking for okra that is bright green in color, without blemishes, and has a smooth texture. Avoid pods that have dry ends because this is a sign that the okra is old and maybe been on the shelf for a while. You also don't want pods that are large, more than five inches long, because this indicates rougher skin and tougher seeds.

Don't purchase your okra too far in advance because it's very perishable. Keep it in the refrigerator, preferably in a paper bag, and cook it within a day or two of purchase.

The seasoning for roasted okra

In this recipe, I am using paprika, garlic powder, and salt to season the okra. But I just want to mention one seasoning that works really well for baking okra, too. It is called Berbere. This seasoning has a great mix of spices and adds a nice touch to dishes. If you decide to try it, or already have it on hand, just use ½ teaspoon of berbere seasoning instead of the paprika. Also, you can add about ⅛ teaspoon of cayenne pepper, if you'd like to add some heat to this okra dish.

How to cut okra

You can cut the okra into two lengthwise pieces or into small discs, whichever you prefer. It won't make a difference to the cooking process. You can even use whole okra, but it might be a bit slimy inside and I know that some people don't like this texture.

How to store and reheat it

Store your Garlic Roasted Okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Once cooked, okra will stay fresh in there for about 3-5 days. To reheat this dish, place the okra back on a baking sheet and warm it in the oven for a few minutes. You can also microwave it, stirring occasionally, until warm.

This Garlic Roasted Okra is so tender and tasty. You'll love adding this vegan dish into your meal rotation. With tons of flavor, health benefits, and a flavor that goes well with most everything, this vegetable side dish is perfect for your next family dinner. So give it a try!

Other scrumptious recipes to try:

• Baked Okra
• Taco Roasted Okra
• Easy Rice and Okra
• Roasted Cabbage Steaks

Psst! I think you'd really enjoy this Roasted Cabbage!