Yes, you can add water to okra, particularly to create "okra water".
Adding water to okra is a common method used to extract certain properties from the vegetable, resulting in a liquid known as okra water. This process doesn't involve cooking but rather soaking the okra in water.
Making Okra Water: A Simple Process
Based on common practices, including the information from the provided reference, making okra water is straightforward. It involves combining fresh okra with water and allowing the mixture to sit for a period of time.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Preparation: Start with fresh okra pods. You can use whole pods or thinly slice them. Slicing might potentially release more of the okra's compounds into the water.
- Soaking: Place the prepared okra into a container. Pour water over the okra, ensuring the okra is fully submerged.
- Refrigeration: It is crucial to refrigerate the okra water while it soaks. This helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage during the soaking period.
- Soaking Time: Allow the okra to soak in the refrigerated water, typically overnight. This extended period allows the okra to infuse the water.
- Straining: In the morning, remove the okra and strain the water to separate any solids or residue from the liquid.
What Happens During Soaking?
When okra is soaked in water, it releases its mucilage – a thick, gel-like substance naturally found in okra. This mucilage is what gives okra its characteristic slimy texture when cooked, but when soaked cold, it creates the slightly viscous texture of okra water.
Key Steps to Make Okra Water:
- Prepare okra (whole pods or sliced).
- Place in water.
- Refrigerate while soaking overnight.
- Remove okra in the morning.
- Strain the water before consuming.
So, while you might add water to okra when cooking, the reference specifically highlights adding water to okra for soaking to produce okra water, a popular preparation method.
