Eggplant and Okra, Oh My!

The Arcadia Mobile Market Seasonal Cookbook was written by JuJu Harris, a former WIC mom who now works with Arcadia to bring fresh produce to DC communities through mobile markets and teaches other WIC moms how to prepare seasonal produce their whole family will love.

Here a few of Juju's recipes for two summer vegetables which may be unfamiliar and intimidating to some. We hope you enjoy them!

Arcadia Eggplant
Recipe by: Juju Harris
Total Time: 60 minutes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Serves: 6 -8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound of eggplant (1 large or 2 small)*
• 4 small or 2 large sweet peppers*
• 1 medium onion, chopped*
• 1 to 2 clove garlic, minced*
• 3 large ripe tomatoes*
• 1/2 cup basil, finely sliced*
• 1/4 olive oil
• 12 ounces cooked or canned garbanzo beans*
• Salt and pepper to taste

*WIC approved items

Directions:

1. Using a cutting board, cut the eggplant into 1-inch cubes. Set aside. Core the sweet peppers, discarding the seeds and cut into 1-inch cubes.
2. In a large skillet, over medium-heat, heat the olive oil. Add the eggplant and cook until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Lower the heat to medium-low and cook the peppers, onion and garlic until they are tender, about 10 minutes.
4. Return the eggplant to the skillet, and add the tomatoes. Cook for 20 to 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have reduced down to a thick sauce.
5. Stir in the basil, salt, pepper and garbanzo beans. Remove from heat and serve.

Okra and Onions
Recipe by: Juju Harris
Serves: 6 - 8

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 cup onion, chopped*
• 3 cups okra, sliced*
• 4 cups peeled or canned tomatoes*
• 2 cups fresh, canned or frozen corn kernels*
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Dash of hot sauce

*WIC approved items

Directions:

1. In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the okra and cook 5 more minutes.
2. To the skillet, mix in the tomatoes, corn, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat until the okra is tender, about 10 minutes. Serve immediately.

Tips:

• When buying okra, select small pods, between 2 and 3 inches in length. Larger pods tend to be tough.