Description
Southern comfort shines in this hearty stewed okra and tomatoes recipe that melds Southern garden flavors with classic home cooking. Rustic ingredients simmer together, creating a soul-warming side dish perfect for complementing grilled meats or enjoying alongside cornbread.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 2 cups fresh okra, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Liquids and Oils:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or thyme
Instructions
- Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium heat, creating a fragrant base for the dish.
- Introduce diced onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they transform into a translucent, aromatic mixture, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate diced tomatoes, allowing them to simmer and break down into a rich, slightly chunky sauce for about 5 minutes.
- Layer in sliced okra along with broth, paprika, salt, and pepper, creating a robust and flavorful combination.
- Reduce heat and let the mixture gently bubble for 15-20 minutes, allowing the okra to become tender and the flavors to harmonize completely.
- Optional: Enhance the balance of the dish by stirring in a touch of sugar and a splash of apple cider vinegar, which will brighten the overall taste profile.
- Finish by sprinkling fresh herbs across the top, adding a vibrant visual and aromatic element to the completed stew.
- Serve piping hot, either as a standalone dish or nestled atop a bed of fluffy rice for a more substantial meal.
Notes
- Choose fresh, tender okra to avoid slimy texture by selecting smaller, bright green pods that snap easily when bent.
- Slice okra diagonally to reduce mucilaginous (slimy) substance and improve overall dish texture.
- Add a pinch of baking soda while cooking to help break down okra’s natural slickness and create a more appealing consistency.
- Consider substituting vegetable broth with water or white wine for different flavor profiles that complement the tomatoes and okra.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 70 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg