Fried Okra

Ingredients

• 1 pound okra, trimmed and halved lengthwise
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk
• Peanut, canola, or vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup fine white cornmeal
• 2 cups rice flour

Steps

1. Put the okra in a medium bowl and season with cayenne, salt and black pepper. Toss in the buttermilk to coat well, leave for 10 to 15 minutes, then drain thoroughly.
2. Pour oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of 1/2 inch. Bring it to 350°F over medium-high heat.
3. In a shallow dish, mix the cornmeal, rice flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Dredge the okra in this mixture, shaking off excess. Add the okra to the hot oil and fry in batches so the skillet is not crowded, turning once, until golden brown, about 2 minutes per side. Drain on a crumpled brown paper bag or paper towels.
4. Serve at once.