Soulful Stewed Okra and Tomatoes Recipe for Cozy Comfort

Southern kitchens buzz with comforting aromas when stewed okra and tomatoes simmer on the stovetop.

This classic Southern dish blends tender okra with ripe, juicy tomatoes in a hearty, soul-warming preparation.

Generations of cooks have perfected the art of creating this simple yet incredibly flavorful side dish.

Fresh ingredients meld together, creating a vibrant medley of textures and tastes that speak to traditional Southern cooking.

The combination of okra’s unique texture and tomatoes’ rich sweetness transforms an ordinary vegetable side into something truly memorable.

Each spoonful carries the warmth of home-cooked comfort and the deep culinary heritage of Southern cuisine.

Grab a skillet and let these delicious flavors transport you to a welcoming Southern table.

Stewed Okra And Tomatoes: Fresh From The Garden

• Whip Up Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table with minimal effort.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious side dish in just a few simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous meal planning.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Pack your plate with a veggie-rich recipe that combines the unique texture of okra with the bright acidity of tomatoes, creating a healthy and flavorful meal option.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste, making this versatile recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary preferences.

Garden-Fresh Ingredients: Okra & Tomatoes

• Okra: A green vegetable with a unique texture that adds earthy flavor and helps thicken the dish.
• Tomatoes: Provide a rich, tangy base that creates the sauce and adds moisture to the stew.
• Onion: Offers a sweet and aromatic foundation that enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Garlic: Adds a pungent and deep flavor that complements the vegetables.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Smoked Paprika: Spices that create a balanced and complex taste with heat and depth.

• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle richness to the dish.
• Broth: Helps create a more liquid consistency and adds additional flavor.
• Vinegar: Introduces a tangy brightness that balances the other ingredients.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbal note and brightens the visual presentation of the dish.

Stewing Up Okra – How-To

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic Flavor

Add minced garlic and sauté briefly, letting its aroma blend with the onions and oil.

Step 3: Prepare Okra for Stewing

Add sliced okra to the skillet.

Stir gently and cook, turning occasionally to soften evenly and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

Mix diced tomatoes with juice, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika.

Stir well to combine the spices into a rich, vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Depth

Pour in vegetable broth and vinegar.

Let the mixture simmer gently until the okra is tender and the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for color and freshness.

Serve hot alongside steamed rice or as a standalone side.

Stewed Okra: Tips For Texture

• Slice okra and let it rest before cooking to reduce the slimy texture. Pat dry with paper towels for a less sticky result.
• Add a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes to enhance the dish's spicy undertones.
• Avoid overcooking okra by monitoring its texture closely; it should remain tender but not mushy.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a fully vegetarian version of the dish.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain the vegetables' texture.

Okra With Extra: Creative Combos

• Vegan Southern Comfort: Replace broth with vegetable stock and use plant-based butter for added richness. Skip meat-based seasonings to keep it completely vegan-friendly.
• Spicy Caribbean Blend: Substitute cayenne with scotch bonnet pepper and add thyme. Include diced bell peppers for extra color and Caribbean flair.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Style: Replace rice with cauliflower rice and add crumbled feta cheese. Incorporate fresh oregano and reduce broth quantity for a lighter version.
• Gluten-Free Creole Version: Use gluten-free broth and ensure all spices are certified gluten-free. Add andouille sausage for protein boost and traditional Creole flavor.

How To Serve Summer Stew

• Rustic Southern Comfort Plate: Serve this hearty dish over fluffy white rice or creamy grits for a classic Southern-style meal that warms the soul.
• Protein Power-Up: Top with grilled chicken, blackened fish, or crispy shrimp to transform this side dish into a complete and satisfying main course.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or green onions just before serving to add a bright, fresh flavor and beautiful green color contrast to the rich, red-orange stew.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Enjoy with warm cornbread, buttermilk biscuits, or crusty French bread to soak up the delicious tomato-based sauce and complete your meal.

Store Stew For Flavor Next Day

• Transfer cooled stewed okra and tomatoes into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Pack the dish in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2-3 months, maintaining best quality and flavor.
• Place leftovers in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Is okra slimy when cooked this way?

The cooking method breaks down the okra’s natural sliminess, creating a more pleasant texture with less stickiness.

• Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?

Yes, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly and can provide consistent flavor and texture when fresh tomatoes aren’t available.

• What does the vinegar do in this recipe?

The vinegar adds a subtle tangy flavor and helps balance the richness of the vegetables, enhancing the overall taste profile of the dish.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount of cayenne to control the spice level according to your preference.

Stewed Okra And Tomatoes Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Southern comfort meets garden-fresh goodness in this hearty Stewed Okra and Tomatoes dish, celebrating traditional Southern cuisine with simple, robust flavors. Simmered to perfection, you’ll savor a comforting blend of tender okra and juicy tomatoes that transports classic Southern cooking straight to your table.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound fresh or frozen okra
• 4 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 medium onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup diced bell pepper

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes
• 1–2 strips bacon
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley
• Sliced green onions

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium heat, gently caramelizing chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for 60 seconds, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
3. Incorporate sliced okra into the skillet, gently stirring and cooking for 5-6 minutes until the vegetable begins to soften and develop a slight golden hue.
4. Combine diced tomatoes with their natural juices, infusing the mixture with a medley of seasonings: salt, freshly ground black pepper, fiery cayenne, and smoky paprika. Mix thoroughly to distribute flavors evenly.
5. Stream in broth and tangy vinegar, allowing the liquid to bubble gently. Reduce heat and let the mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes, transforming the ingredients into a rich, cohesive sauce while tenderizing the okra.
6. Once the sauce reaches a thick, lustrous consistency and the okra is perfectly tender, remove from heat and sprinkle with vibrant fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbal brightness.
7. Serve piping hot alongside steamed rice or as a robust vegetable side dish, showcasing the vibrant Southern-inspired flavors.

Notes

• Slice okra diagonally to reduce slimy texture and create more appealing presentation.
• Use fresh okra for best flavor and minimal mucilaginous consistency, avoiding overly mature pods which can become tough.
• Consider removing seeds from tomatoes to prevent watery sauce and concentrate robust flavors.
• Add a pinch of sugar to balance acidity from tomatoes and vinegar, creating more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 90 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 10 mg