Garlic Sautéed Okra

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Gather the ingredients.

2. Step 2

   Trim off and discard the stem ends of the okra pods. Rinse the trimmed pods, carefully pat them dry, and set them aside. Extra water in the cooking process can lead to the slick factor this okra recipe is designed to avoid, so the dryer the better.

3. Step 3

   Peel the garlic clove, cut it in half lengthwise, and slice it crosswise as thinly as possible.

4. Step 4

   Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the oil, swirl the pan to coat the bottom with the oil, and heat until the oil shimmers, about 30 seconds. Add the garlic and let it sizzle until it just starts to turn golden, about 1 minute.

5. Step 5

   Add the okra, stir to coat it with oil, and combine it with the garlic. Cover and cook, shaking the pan frequently to move the okra pods around inside until the okra is starting to brown on the edges and is tender to the bite, about 8 minutes. 

6. Step 6

   Transfer the okra to a serving platter or individual plates. Add the optional tomatoes if using and sprinkle with salt. Serve and enjoy.