Did you know that improving your health can be as easy as cutting out meat and processed cold cuts one day a week? Doing so can reduce your risk of chronic preventable conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and obesity.

Enter Meatless Monday. This week's recipe is Spiced Okra. "Okra is caramelized in the oven and tossed with tart lemon juice," says the Meatless Monday website. It adds, "Curry powder adds a kick to this simple side dish that highlights okra’s naturally savory flavor."

Spiced Okra

Serves 8

4 cups okra, halved diagonally

2 tablespoons olive oil

salt and pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon curry powder

Preheat an oven to 450 degrees.

Place the okra in a large baking dish and toss with the olive oil. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 30 minutes, or until tender and beginning to caramelize.

Remove the okra from the oven. Toss with the lemon juice and season with the curry powder.

Nutrition info: 47 calories, 4 g total fat, 31 g saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 0 mg cholesterol, 4 mg sodium, 4 g total carbs, 2 g dietary fiber, 1 g sugar and 1 g protein.

This recipe was provided by from Jen of Domestic Divas.

(Photo: Charlotte Observer/MCT/Landov)