September Cook Along with Be Mighty

Nixon Pick Up

This month, we are making okra and beans bowl using fresh ingredients from our garden partner, Oak Forest Community Garden. Learn more about buying fresh and local ingredients Thursday, 9/17, at 6pm! 

Nixon Library Pick Up
Limit 1 kit per household

Live streamed on Be Mighty Little Rock's Facebook and Instagram

This month marks the final installment of our local farmer series and we are excited to highlight Oak Forest Community Garden with garden manager Mark Nelson. Tune in and learn more about the history of the garden, how to get involved, and buying local produce every Saturday through October 10th at the garden. 
Homegrown Harvest: Okra and Beans Bowl

Ingredients

1. 1 lb Okra (sourced from Oak Forest Garden and Healthy Flavors)
2. 1 lb Rice (sourced from Ralston Family Farms)
3. 1 can of beans
4. 1 yellow onion
5. 1 tbs olive oil
6. ½ tsp each salt, pepper and paprika

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. While the oven is preheating, slice okra into 1-inch pieces, removing the stem.
2. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
3. Place okra in a mixing bowl and lightly coat with olive oil.
4. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika into the bowl and mix making sure the okra is coated.
5. Spread okra onto a baking sheet.
6. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes or until okra is light brown and tender.
7. While the okra is baking, place one cup of uncooked rice into a pot with 1 1/4 cups of water. Cover, and bring to a boil. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to simmer for approximately 15-18 minutes. After all the water has been absorbed and cooked off, remove the rice from heat and let sit for 5 minutes.
8. While the rice is cooking, drain a can of beans (black or pinto are good inexpensive options). Rinse off the excess liquid from the beans. Set aside.
9. Add a splash of olive oil to a pan and dice one yellow onion. Once the oil is hot, add the onion to the pan and saute for several minutes or until the onion starts to become translucent. Add in the beans and continue sauteing. Sprinkle a dash of salt on the vegetables. Stir and remove from heat after another minute.
10. Once everything is done, put down some of the rice into a bowl or on a plate and spoon the okra, beans and onions over the top. Some people might like to add a favorite sauce (hot sauce, sriracha, spicy mayo, etc.,) or just leave it as is. A splash of soy sauce can add a more savory flavor as well.