Sami-Inspired Okra Salad

Ingredients

In this Sami-inspired adaptation, we substitute the traditional Venezuelan ingredients with those commonly found in Sami cuisine. The original Ensalada de molondrones typically includes ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and cilantro, which are replaced with Sami herbs, yogurt, and lemon juice. The cooking technique is also modified, blanching the okra instead of sautéing it, to maintain its crispness and enhance the salad's refreshing qualities. We alse have the original recipe for Ensalada de molondrones, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) fresh okra pods 500g (1.1 lb) fresh okra pods
• 200g (7 oz) plain yogurt 200g (7 oz) plain yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon Sami herb blend (such as angelica, wild thyme, or lovage) 1 tablespoon Sami herb blend (such as angelica, wild thyme, or lovage)
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 120 kcal / 502 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 2g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 18g, 6g
• Protein: 8g
• Fiber: 7g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. 2.
   Meanwhile, trim the ends of the okra pods and rinse them thoroughly.
3. 3.
   Carefully add the okra pods to the boiling water and blanch for 2 minutes.
4. 4.
   Drain the okra and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process.
5. 5.
   Once cooled, drain the okra and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
6. 6.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, lemon juice, Sami herb blend, and salt to make the dressing.
7. 7.
   Place the blanched okra pods in a serving dish and pour the dressing over them.
8. 8.
   Gently toss the okra with the dressing until well coated.
9. 9.
   Sprinkle the chopped dill over the salad as a garnish.
10. 10.
    Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
11. 11.
    Serve chilled and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Okra — Make sure to choose fresh okra pods that are firm and vibrant green in color. Avoid using okra that is slimy or discolored.
• Sami herb blend — If you can't find a pre-made Sami herb blend, you can create your own by combining equal parts of dried angelica, wild thyme, and lovage.

Tips & Tricks

• To enhance the flavors, you can add a pinch of ground reindeer moss or lingonberry powder to the dressing.
• If you prefer a creamier dressing, you can add a tablespoon of mayonnaise to the yogurt mixture.
• For a bit of heat, sprinkle some crushed dried chili flakes over the salad before serving.
• If fresh okra is not available, you can use frozen okra. Thaw and pat them dry before blanching.
• This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just add the fresh dill right before serving.

Serving advice

Serve the Sami-Inspired Okra Salad as a refreshing side dish alongside grilled fish or reindeer meat. It also pairs well with traditional Sami flatbread or crispbread. For a complete Sami-inspired meal, consider serving the salad alongside a reindeer stew or a smoked salmon platter.

Presentation advice

Arrange the blanched okra pods in a circular pattern on a serving platter. Drizzle the dressing over the okra, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle the chopped dill over the top as a vibrant garnish. Serve the salad chilled to showcase its vibrant colors and fresh flavors.