Fried Okra with Sweet Chile Sauce

INGREDIENTS:

1. Vegetable oil, for frying
2. 1 cup white cornmeal
3. 1 cup all-purpose flour
4. 1 teaspoon baking powder
5. Kosher salt
6. Freshly ground white pepper
7. 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk
8. 2 large eggs
9. 1 pound large okra, halved lengthwise

1. Fill a large saucepan with 2 inches of oil and heat to 350°. In a bowl, mix the cornmeal, flour, baking powder, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper. Add the milk and eggs and whisk until smooth. Add the okra and turn to coat.
2. Line a baking sheet with paper towels. Add 10 or 12 pieces of okra at a time to the hot oil and fry over moderately high heat for 2 to 3 minutes, until crisp. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Serve right away, with the Sweet Chile Sauce.

Sweet Chile Sauce:

INGREDIENTS:

1. 1 red bell pepper—cored, seeded and finely chopped
2. 1 red jalapeño or other small red chile, seeded and minced
3. 1 shallot, minced
4. 1 garlic clove, minced
5. 1 cup water
6. 1/2 cup honey
7. 2 tablespoons soy sauce

Combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is thickened slightly and syrupy, about 20 minutes. Serve at room temperature.