Oven "Fried" Okra & Spicy Mango Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce!

A few years back, my husband and I would frequent a southern cuisine inspired restaurant in Asbury Park named "Trinity and the Pope". This is where we were first introduced to Fried Okra and it was absolutely yummy! The restaurant has since closed, but our love for fried okra has stayed. I wanted to come up with a lighter version of the recipe and knew an oven fried version would be best!! Here is the recipe along with a delicious dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Oven Fried Okra

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 pound okra sliced
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup cornmeal
• 1/4 cup flour plus 3 tablespoons
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cilantro
• dash of cayenne pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup low-fat milk

PROCESS:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. 
3. Slice okra into coins and coat with 3 tablespoons of flour.
4. Combine the flour, cornmeal, panko, garlic powder, dried cilantro, salt and pepper in a bowl. Pour the low-fat milk and egg into another bowl and quickly whisk.
5. Working in small batches, transfer the okra into the egg mixture. Next coat the okra pieces completely in the cornmeal panko mix, then move to the baking sheet.
6. Continue this process until all of the okra has been breaded and placed on the baking sheet.
7. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the okra from the oven, flipping with a spatula.
9. Place back in the oven for an additional 15 minutes until nice and crispy! 
10. Serve with Spicy Mango Greek Yogurt Dip!!

Spicy Mango Greek Yogurt Dip!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup plain greek yogurt 
• 1 mango chopped and peeled
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 garlic clove
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 
• 1/2 teaspoon dried cilantro
• dash of cayenne pepper

PROCESS:

1. Place all ingredients in the blender.
2. Blend until smooth and well incorporated.
3. Store in your refrigerator for up to 4 days.
4. Delicious on sandwiches and wraps but especially yummy with this Oven Fried Okra!!

Enjoy! 

XO ~ Jessica