1/4 c. cornmeal
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. finely chopped onion
1/2 c. evaporated milk
1 lg. egg, lightly beaten
3 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. red pepper
2 c. sliced fresh okra (about 2/3 lb.)
Vegetable oil
Salt (optional)

Combine first 9 ingredients; stir in okra. Pour oil to depth of 2 inches into a Dutch oven; heat to 350 degrees. Drop mixture by tablespoonfuls into oil and cook until golden brown, turning once. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with salt, if desired and serve immediately. Yield 4-6 servings.

Two cups frozen sliced okra, thawed, may be substituted for sliced fresh okra.