okra and tomatoes recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

The Best okra and tomatoes recipe

I’m so excited to share with you my favorite okra and tomatoes recipe, a classic Southern dish that’s perfect for any occasion. This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of tender okra, juicy tomatoes, and flavorful spices is just irresistible. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients and stirring the pot as it simmers on the stovetop.

It’s a great way to get them involved in cooking and learning about different flavors and textures. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be adapted to suit your dietary needs. I like to serve it over rice or with some crusty bread on the side. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of veggies in, especially during the summer months when fresh okra is plentiful.

My husband loves it because it’s a hearty and comforting meal that fills him up after a long day at work. And as for me, I just love how the aroma of sautéing okra fills my kitchen and transports me back to my childhood summers spent visiting my grandparents in the South. They used to make this dish all the time, and it always brings back fond memories for me. The key to making this recipe shine is in the preparation of the okra.

You want to make sure it’s sliced thinly and evenly so that it cooks consistently throughout. I like to use a mandoline or sharp knife to get the job done quickly. Then, simply heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the okra until it’s tender but still crisp. Add in some diced onions, garlic, and tomatoes, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes until everything is fully cooked through.

Season with salt, pepper, and your favorite spices, and you’re ready to serve. One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a side dish or add some protein like chicken or shrimp for a complete meal. It’s also a great way to get your daily dose of vitamins A and C from the tomatoes and okra. My family has been making this recipe for years, but I’ve tweaked it slightly over time to suit our tastes.

We like it best with a bit more spice than traditional recipes call for, so I add in some cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

4.6 from 910 votes

A classic Southern side dish featuring tender okra and ripe tomatoes simmered with aromatic vegetables. This savory stew is perfect alongside grilled meats or over rice for a comforting meal.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time25 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time35 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
4 large ripe tomatoes, diced (or 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
2Add diced onion and cook, stirring frequently, until softened and translucent, about 4 to 5 minutes.
3Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4Add sliced okra and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to lightly brown and the slime reduces.
5Add diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika.
6Stir well to combine.
7Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
8Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and let stew for 15 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
9The okra should be tender but not mushy, and the tomatoes should have broken down into a thick sauce.
10Remove the lid and stir in apple cider vinegar.
11Increase heat to medium and cook uncovered for 2 to 3 minutes until the liquid reduces slightly.
12Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
13Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

🔧Equipment

Large skillet or saucepan with lid
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 8g💛Saturated Fat: 1g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 320mg🌾Total Carbs: 18g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 8g🥩Protein: 4g

📝Notes

For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeno along with the garlic. To reduce okra sliminess, cook it dry for a few minutes before adding tomatoes.

Watch Video Of How Stewed Okra and Tomatoes Works

This okra and tomatoes recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or planning a special event with friends and family. It’s easy to scale up or down depending on your needs, making it perfect for both small gatherings or large groups.

If you have leftovers (and they’re sure to be delicious), consider storing them in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer for later use. When reheating leftover okra and tomatoes, simply add some new aromatics like onions or garlic if desired – then serve hot over rice or noodles.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

Q: Can I substitute frozen okra for fresh?

A: Yes, you can use frozen okra if you don’t have access to fresh or prefer the convenience of having pre-chopped vegetables on hand.

Q: What’s the best way to store leftover okra?

A: Store leftover okra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 6 months.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can prepare all of the ingredients except for the tomatoes ahead of time – simply add them just before cooking.

Q: How do I prevent okra from becoming mushy?

A: To prevent okra from becoming mushy, cook it briefly over high heat until tender but still crisp – then reduce heat and finish cooking with liquid.

Q: Can I add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers?

A: Absolutely – feel free to add any combination of vegetables that suits your taste preferences.

Similar Posts