Fried Okra with Cumin Yogurt Dipping Sauce

Ingredients

• 6 cups oil
• for frying
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 2 pounds fresh okra
• sliced into 1/2-inch thick pieces
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 clove finely garlic
• minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon Sriracha
• optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the dipping sauce: mix yogurt with garlic, cumin and Sriracha (if using).
2. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until just before serving.
3. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet.
4. In a medium bowl, combine cornmeal, flour and paprika.
5. Dip okra in buttermilk first and then dredge in cornmeal-flour mixture.
6. Coat well.
7. Carefully add the okra to the hot oil and fry until golden-brown and okra is cooked through.
8. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels.
9. Serve hot with dipping sauce.