Meatless Monday: 5 Great Okra Recipes

African in origin, okra (aka Lady's Fingers or Gumbo) is the seed pod of the mallow plant and an international staple. Widely used across the world (from Central and South America to Africa to the South Pacific) okra is typically used in soups and stews (like gumbo) and is both healthy and tasty. Often associated with a slimy texture, a form of soluble plant fiber, there are many cooking methods which avoid this: cooking the pods whole, over high heat and quickly! Here are 5 fantastic (and gluten free!) recipes for this international favorite!

Heirloom Tomato Salad with Almond-Crusted Okra
Fresh summer flavors make for an unbelievably delicious salad that is naturally gluten free/dairy free (GFCF)!

Greek Style Okra and Potatoes
This naturally vegan & gluten free dish is super easy and perfect for summer eating.

Cornmeal Fried Okra
A Southern favorite! Check out this Vegan version. Gluten free? Simply substitute sweet rice flour for the AP in this recipe!

Spicy Garlic Okra
Quickly sauteed for a nice crunch, this okra dish is super tasty!

Curried Okra
An Indian classic.