What a revelation! Use a meat mallet to smash okra and create more surface area for crispy-brown goodness. Try this at home.

Ingredients

• 1 pound fresh okra
• 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups fine yellow cornmeal
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• Canola oil

Procedure

1. Use a meat mallet to smash okra, starting at tip of pod and working toward stem end.
2. Place buttermilk in a shallow dish, and place cornmeal in another shallow dish.
3. Stir desired amount of salt and pepper into buttermilk and cornmeal.
4. Dip okra in buttermilk; dredge in cornmeal, shaking off excess.
5. Pour oil to a depth of 2 inches into a large Dutch oven; heat to 350°.
6. Fry okra, in batches, 2 to 3 minutes or until brown and crisp, turning once.
7. Remove okra, using a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels.
8. Add salt and pepper to taste; serve