Perhaps most familiar to Americans as a component of gumbo, this West African plant happens to be a high-fiber, fat and cholesterol-free source of vitamin C, folate, calcium and potassium.  High in antioxidants, this health food is also popular in weight loss diets.

When cooked, okra can be quite mucilaginous (gooey), which some people find off-putting. In response, this recipe results in a crispy, non-gooey dish of delicious goodness..

For the Rice

1 cup germinated brown rice, rinsed and drained
1-1/2 tablespoons pastured butter
2-1/2 cups homemade chicken or vegetable stock
1-1/2 teaspoons celery seed
2 tablespoons fresh oregano
sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper

Heat the butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan until bubbling, then add the rice.  Stir to coat each grain with fat, then cook and stir until lightly browned, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the stock and celery seed and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover and simmer until tender, about 45 minutes.  Remove from heat, add oregano and season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and hold for service.

For the Tomatoes, Onions and Peppers

1-1/2 cups fresh heirloom tomatoes, cut into large chunks
3/4 cup yellow onion, cut into 1/2 to 3/4-inch pieces
1/2 cup fresh banana peppers, trimmed and sliced
olive oil for misting
sea salt and smoked black pepper

Line an oven-proof pan with foil or parchment paper.

Arrange vegetables around pan and mist with olive oil. Season with salt and smoked black pepper.

Place pan in 425 degree oven and roast until slightly blackened, about 30 minutes.

For the Okra

3/4 pound fresh okra, washed and trimmed
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (typically paprika, garlic, black pepper, red pepper, caraway, dill and cumin)
sea salt and freshly-ground black pepper
olive oil for misting
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, reserved

Arrange the okra on a rack set inside a cookie sheet. Lightly mist the okra with olive oil and dust liberally with Cajun seasoning.

Season with salt and pepper, then place the pan in a 425 degree oven  and roast until tips and edges begin to brown, about 15 minutes.

Remove okra from roasting pan and add to the tomato mixture.  Toss and turn, return pan to oven and roast another 7-8 minutes.

To Serve

Spoon rice into serving bowls, then top with roasted vegetables.  Drizzle with lemon and pan juices and serve immediately.