Okra Chips are delicious, simple to make, and a healthy snack. Okra contains potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, folic acid, and calcium. It’s low in calories and has a high dietary fiber content. Okra is even keto-friendly! Recently, a new benefit of including okra in your diet is being considered. Okra has been suggested to help manage blood sugar in cases of type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes. Add okra chips to your snack list today!
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh or frozen whole okra, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 to 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme, or 1⁄2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1⁄2 teaspoon dried, crushed, or ground rosemary
- 1⁄4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon sea salt, preferably iodized
- Cracked black pepper
- Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
Directions
- Heat the oven to 450°F.
- Place the cut okra in a large bowl, then add the olive oil, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, and salt.
- Add black pepper and optional cayenne pepper powder to taste, and stir to coat the okra.
- Place the okra on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the oven for 15 minutes, then shake the pan or, using a spatula, stir the okra. Roast another 10 to 15 minutes, until the okra is lightly browned and tender.
- Serve piping hot. So, so good!
More about Okra: Okra is low in calories, with nearly no fat, and is loaded with vitamin C, vitamin A, and zinc. Its biggest benefit, especially for people who have diabetes, is its high amount of fiber. Why? Because the fiber in the fruit of okra -that is, the green, seedy part of the plant- lowers blood sugar by slowing down the absorption of sugar from your intestines. Like other nutrients, it’s better to get fiber through food rather than supplements. If you decide you need more fiber, raise the amount you get slowly. Too much too quickly can lead to things like gas, bloating, and belly cramping. Be sure to speak with your physician before making big changes to your diet.
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