Okra-Tomato Salad

Inspired by: Easyanddelish

INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups medium to small okra
• 3 cups water
• 4-1/2 teaspoons salt divided
• 2 tablespoons vinegar
• 3 ripe tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

• Clean the okra with a paper towel and set aside. In a large saucepan, bring water, 1-1/2 teaspoon salt, and vinegar to a boil. Blanch 1/2 of the okra for 3 minutes, strain, and immerse in a bowl with ice and water. Strain well and set aside. Do remaining batch in same water.
• Quarter the tomatoes. Seed and remove the center parts. Cut the tomatoes lengthwise into 6 pieces, similar to the size of the okra. You should have about 1-1/2 cups.
• Place the cut tomatoes in a strainer and sprinkle with 2 teaspoons salt. Let drain for 15 minutes.
• In a small bowl, place 1 teaspoon salt, sugar, and black pepper. Whisk in the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
• Toss the okra with the tomatoes and 2/3 of the dressing. Spread the rest of the dressing in the center of a plate. Then, sprinkle with the toasted sesame seeds.
• Serve and enjoy!