Fried Okra Salad with Lemon Dressing

Description

The dressing also makes a tangy dipping sauce for steamed artichokes or asparagus From "Catsrecipes Y-Group"

• Yield: Makes 6 servings and ¾ cup of dressing

Ingredients

• 1½ cups self-rising yellow cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound fresh okra
• 1½ cups buttermilk
• peanut oil
• 1 head Bibb lettuce
• 1 large tomato, chopped (about 1 cup)
• 1 medium-size sweet onion, thinly sliced (about ¾ cup)
• 1 medium-size green bell pepper, chopped
• lemon dressing
• 3 bacon slices, cooked and crumbled

Lemon dressing

• ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ cup olive oil

Procedures

1. Combine cornmeal and salt.
2. Dip okra in buttermilk; dredge in cornmeal mixture.
3. Pour peanut oil to a depth of 2 inches into a dutch oven or deep cast-iron skillet; heat to 375°F.
4. Fry okra, in batches, 2 minutes or until golden, turning once.
5. Drain on a wire rack over paper towels.
6. Arrange lettuce leaves on a serving platter; top with tomato, onion slices, and bell pepper.
7. Add lemon dressing, tossing to coat.
8. Top with fried okra, and sprinkle with crumbled bacon.
9. Serve immediately.

Lemon dressing

1. Combine first 5 ingredients in a bowl.
2. Add oil, whisking until combined.

• "Catsrecipes Y-Group" http://Groups.Yahoo.Com/Group/Catsrecipes/ Catsrecipes Y-Group