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
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
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet at medium heat, gently caramelizing chopped onions until they turn translucent and soft, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Introduce minced garlic and allow it to release its aromatic essence for 60 seconds, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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