okra with sesame seed dressing

ingredients:

• 5 ounces okra
• 3 tablespoons white sesame seeds or 2 tablespoons ground toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 quart water
• 1 teaspoon salt

step 1:

Bring the water to a boil in a pot and add the salt. Add the okra and boil for less than 1 minute.

step 2:

Remove the okra and cool in water. Drain the okra in a colander and put dry with kitchen paper towels. Cut the okra into bite-size pieces.

step 3:

If using the white sesame seeds, parch them in a frying pan over medium-high heat until they crackle and pop.

step 4:

Put them in an earthenware mortar (suribachi) or food processor and crush. Add the soy sauce and sugar, then blend well. Put this mixture in a bowl. If using the ground toasted sesame seeds, place the sesame seeds, soy sauce and sugar in a bowl, then blend well.

step 5:

Add the okra to the mixture (Step 4) and mix.