Grilled Okra with Jalapeño-Tomato Ranch Dressing

Ingredients

1 pound fresh okra
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Salt and black pepper to taste
Jalapeno-Tomato Ranch Dressing, for serving (see recipe)

Instructions

Preheat grill for direct cooking over medium-high heat. Meanwhile, partially cut okra in half lengthwise leaving them connected at the stem end. Place in a large resealable plastic bag and set aside. Combine the olive oil and garlic in a small microwave-proof dish. Cover and cook in microwave on high until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 1 minute; cool slightly. Pour olive oil mixture over okra and season to taste with salt and pepper. Seal bag; turn to evenly coat. Marinate for at least 15 minutes. Place okra directly on grill perpendicular to the grates (alternatively, double skewer pods on 12-inch wooden skewers that have soaked in water for 2 hours, as shown in my picture) and cook until tender and slightly charred, 4-5 minutes per side. Serve immediately with Jalapeno-Tomato Ranch Dressing for dipping. Makes 4 servings.