Yes, you absolutely can make okra water with frozen okra. It is a common ingredient used for this purpose.
Many individuals successfully use frozen okra as an alternative to fresh pods when preparing okra water. According to one user's experience shared on 02-Jul-2022, they specifically use frozen okra and follow a simple ratio: "I use frozen okra so I do 1 cup okra per cup of water." This indicates that frozen okra is not only viable but also provides a clear guideline for the quantity to use.
How to Prepare Okra Water with Frozen Okra
Making okra water with frozen okra follows a similar process to using fresh okra. The primary method involves soaking or steeping the okra in water to extract its nutrients and mucilage.
Here are the basic steps:
- Select Your Okra: Choose frozen okra pods. You can use whole or cut pieces.
- Measure: Use a ratio that works for you. As per the reference, a 1:1 ratio of okra to water (e.g., 1 cup frozen okra per 1 cup water) is one approach.
- Combine: Place the frozen okra in a container or jar. Pour the measured water over the okra.
- Soak/Steep: Cover the container and let it sit.
- Some prefer to leave it overnight at room temperature or in the refrigerator (typically 8-24 hours).
- Soaking allows the water to absorb the beneficial compounds and develop the characteristic slimy texture.
- Strain: After soaking, strain the water to remove the okra pods.
Tips for Using Frozen Okra
While convenient, here are a few things to keep in mind when using frozen okra:
- Thawing: You can typically use frozen okra directly without thawing, especially if soaking it overnight. The freezing process breaks down cell walls, which may even help release the mucilage more readily.
- Texture: The resulting okra water will still have the desired consistency, though the frozen okra pods themselves will become very soft after soaking.
- Ratio Flexibility: While 1:1 is a suggested ratio, you can adjust the amount of okra to water based on your preference for concentration and thickness.
Utilizing frozen okra is a practical way to make okra water accessible year-round, ensuring you don't need fresh pods to enjoy this beverage.
