[header] How to boil okra [title] Rinse and trim the okra. [step] Turn on the cold water at the sink, and gently run the okra under it to wash away any dirt or debris on the surface. Pat it dry with a clean kitchen towel, and use a sharp knife to cut the stems down to ½-inch (13-mm). 
[title] Place the okra in a large pot and cover it with water. [step] Use a pot that's large enough to fit the okra so it doesn't occupy more than three-quarters of the capacity.