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Pan-Fried Okra

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  • ACTIVE:
  • TOTAL TIME:
  • SERVINGS: 2
  • •FAST
  • •HEALTHY
  • •VEGETARIAN

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  1. 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
  2. 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  3. 1/2 pound small okra, stem ends trimmed
  4. 1/2 tablespoon tomato paste
  5. 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
  6. Salt and freshly ground pepper
  1. In a large nonreactive skillet, toast the cumin seeds over moderately high heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Let cool, then grind in a spice grinder or mortar or finely chop with a knife.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in the skillet until shimmering. Add the okra and cook over moderately high heat, shaking the pan occasionally, until beginning to brown, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato paste, lemon juice and ground cumin and stir well to coat the okra. Continue cooking until the okra is tender but firm and nicely glazed, about 1 more minute. Season with salt and pepper and serve at once.