Okra and Green Tomato Fritters

Ingredients

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
• 1 cup buttermilk (or milk of choice)
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup fresh okra, sliced
• 1 cup green tomatoes, diced
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (such as parsley or cilantro), chopped
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Okra and Tomatoes: Wash the okra and green tomatoes thoroughly under cold running water. Trim the ends of the okra and slice them into half-inch pieces. Dice the green tomatoes into small cubes and finely chop the onion. Set all vegetables aside in a bowl.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir until well blended.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth.
4. Mix Everything Together: Gradually add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to combine. Fold in the sliced okra, diced green tomatoes, chopped onion, and fresh herbs with care.