Limpin' Susan, Secret Lover (?)

Limpin’ Susan was the secret lover of Hoppin’ John — at least according to legend as retold by renowned southern chef Sean Brock. Hoppin’ John, of course, is the well-known New Year’s Eve dish comprised of black-eyed peas, rice, and the usual vegetable suspects (onion, celery, bell pepper, scallions, etc.). Day-after leftovers are known as Skippin’ Jenny. The far lesser-known southern dish is "Limpin’ Susan, which uses okra rather than peas, with a similar accompaniment of celery, onion, and bell peppers. Both dishes benefit from a homemade pepper vinegar, which is simply any spicy pepper (I like habanero) immersed in apple cider vinegar.

Anyway, as far as I know, there is only one place in Israel where you can eat Limpin’ Susan. So order it while the okra here is still in season. Did I mention the okra is gorgeous right now? Oh right. The okra is gorgeous right now. PS. This dish works its magic a lot better if you heat up the mixture before serving and add a bit of habanero confit to the sautee.