I had a LOT of okra this year, and I ran out of people to share with, so I decided to pickle a few jars and freeze the rest for Gumbo. It’s so simple. You just need a really hot boiling brine and some delicious fresh okra.

I like to soak and scrub my okra with baking soda and rinse well and set said before starting.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb of Okra, stems trimmed (or enough to fill jar(s) without being tight) -1 quart or 2 pint size jars
• 1 small sweet onion or a few shallots thinly sliced
• 4 clove garlic peeled (add as many as you like.. I eat them right out of the jar)
• 1 teaspoon of Two Step Cajun seasoning (or whatever Cajun seasoning you prefer)
• 1 tsp. black peppercorns
• 1 tsp. coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp. mustard seeds
• 2 c. apple cider vinegar OR white vinegar (I do half and half)
• 2 c. water
• 4 tablespoons kosher salt
• 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

I combine my garlic, onions and okra into my jars. I arrange my okra to first making sure it has room to move. Then I then put all other ingredients into a small pot. Water, vinegar, spices etc.

Bring to a boil then remove from stove and slowly ladle the brine over the okra until til the jars are equally filled. Seal tightly.

Allow it to sit for a week at room temp before opening.

Refrigerator after opening.

Enjoy!

*Note: Garlic goes through lacto-fermentation, which produces lactic acid. Even this acid has the possibility of reacting with the garlic, producing an unusual bright blue color.

This is normal and safe to consume. I added this because mine DID in fact turn blue this time.