Simplest Fried Okra

Ingredients

• 2
  
  cups fresh okra, washed and sliced into 1/2 inch coins
  
• 1
  
  cup white cornmeal
  
• 
  
  salt
  
• 
  
  peanut oil for deep frying
  

Directions

1. Place the sliced okra in a large bowl filled with cold water and refrigerate for 1 hour.
2. Remove okra from water, drain (okra may feel sticky, but don’t rinse; this is what will bind the cornmeal to each piece), and toss (one small batch at a time) into the cornmeal.
3. Meanwhile, heat several inches of oil in a deep, heavy-bottomed pot. Drop in one cornmeal coated okra coin to test oil; if it sizzles the oil is hot enough.
4. Fry the okra in small batches until golden brown.
5. Remove using a long handled slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt while still hot and serve.