Southern Charm Okra Tomatoes a Simmered Delight
- Recipe Introduction
- Unveiling the Magic of Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
- How to Make the Best Okra And Tomato Recipe
- Let's Talk Okra and Tomatoes : The Heart of Southern Cooking
- Getting Started with Our Okra And Tomato Recipe
- Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Okra and Tomatoes
- From Garden to Table: Step-by-Step Stewed Okra And Tomatoes
- Pro Tips for Okra and Tomatoes Perfection
- Recipe Notes for Your Okra And Tomatoes Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 📝 Recipe Card
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever crave a taste of the South? This okra and tomatoes recipe delivers! It's got that classic comfort food vibe. Think tangy tomatoes meet tender okra with a subtle hint of spice.
Brief Overview
This Southern side dish hails from generations of home cooking. It's a celebration of simple, fresh flavours. This easy okra tomato recipe is a breeze to make.
It takes about an hour total. The recipe yields 6 servings. So it's perfect for family dinners.
Main Benefits
Okra is packed with fibre, and this recipe is naturally vegetarian. It's the perfect side for barbecues, potlucks, or a cosy weeknight meal.
What makes this okra tomato stew special is the perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and slightly spicy flavours. Plus, it's a great way to use up that end-of-summer tomato harvest.
Unveiling the Magic of Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Alright, let's talk about this okra and tomatoes recipe. It’s more than just a dish. It's a hug in a bowl. Honestly, sometimes, I just crave that taste of Southern cooking .
This recipe uses fresh okra, which can be tricky. You know, that slimy texture some folks hate? I've got a trick for that.
How to Make the Best Okra And Tomato Recipe
First, you’ll need some olive oil. About 2 tablespoons. Then sauté a chopped onion until soft. Next, add a couple of cloves of minced garlic.
Now for the secret. Don’t add any water when you saute the okra. About 1 pound of sliced okra. Sauté that sucker for 15 minutes! This will minimize the slimy texture.
After the okra's had its sauna, toss in a can of crushed tomatoes. A big one. And a can of diced tomatoes, juice and all.
Then, the magic touch. A teaspoon of sugar. Half a teaspoon of dried thyme. And a pinch of red pepper flakes.
You know. Just to wake things up a bit.
Simmer it all for about 20 minutes. Finally, stir in a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar. Boom. Taste and adjust. More salt? More spice? You do you.
This vegetarian okra recipe is best served hot. Garnish with fresh parsley for that fancy touch.
Let's Talk Okra and Tomatoes : The Heart of Southern Cooking
Okay, y'all, before we dive into this amazing okra and tomatoes recipe , let's gather our supplies. Trust me, having everything ready makes this easy okra tomato recipe even easier.
It’s like a little dance in the kitchen and not a mad dash. I grew up eating this southern side dish .
My grandma always said it brought good luck! It’s a dish of love.
Main Players in Our Okra Tomato Stew
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons (30 ml) . Good quality olive oil adds a nice richness.
- Yellow Onion: 1 large (about 1 ½ cups chopped, 150g) . Look for firm onions without soft spots.
- Garlic: 2 cloves (approx. 2 teaspoons, 10g) . Fresh garlic is everything .
- Fresh Okra: 1 pound (450g), sliced into ½-inch rounds . Choose okra that are bright green, firm, and not too large those tend to be tougher.
- Crushed Tomatoes: 1 (28-ounce) can (794g) .
- Diced Tomatoes: 1 (14.5-ounce) can, undrained (411g) .
- Granulated Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g) . A little sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon .
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon (or to taste) . Adjust to your spice level.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped , for garnish.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: 1 tablespoon . This gives it a zesty kick.
Spice It Up: Seasoning Notes
This okra and tomatoes recipe is all about simple flavors. Thyme and red pepper flakes are key. Want more heat? A pinch of cayenne pepper will do the trick! No thyme? Oregano or Italian seasoning works too.
I sometimes throw in a bay leaf for extra depth. You know? Just remember to take it out before serving!
Gear Up: Equipment Needed
You don't need fancy tools for this vegetarian okra recipe . Just the basics.
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven: Essential for simmering everything together.
- Cutting Board: For chopping veggies, obviously.
- Chef's Knife: A good knife makes all the difference.
Getting Started with Our Okra And Tomato Recipe
Oh my gosh, you guys! Are you ready for some seriously good Southern comfort food? I'm talking about my famous okra and tomatoes recipe ! It's a total game changer.
Honestly, this is the recipe I make when I want something easy, delicious, and packed with flavour. It’s a Southern side dish that's healthy and full of goodness.
It's so easy even I can't mess it up. This Okra And Tomato Recipe delivers that perfect okra tomato stew .
It is the epitome of Southern cooking . I've tweaked this recipe over the years. It's become a family favorite.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Okra and Tomatoes
First things first: mise en place . It's a fancy French term. It means "everything in its place". Get all your ingredients prepped before you even turn on the heat.
Chop your onion. Mince your garlic. Slice the okra. I like to think of it as my culinary zen moment.
Plus, organization saves time and reduces stress.
- Essential mise en place: Olive oil (30 ml) , chopped onion (150g) , minced garlic (10g) , sliced okra (450g) , canned crushed tomatoes (794g) , diced tomatoes (411g) , sugar (5g) , thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, parsley, apple cider vinegar.
- Time saving organization tips: Chop veggies while the kettle boils. This is one easy okra tomato recipe !
- Safety reminders: Watch your fingers when slicing! And don't splash hot oil!
From Garden to Table: step-by-step Stewed Okra And Tomatoes
Alright, here's how the magic happens. Five simple steps to okra and tomatoes .
- Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes , until softened. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute .
- Dry Sauté Okra: Add the okra to the skillet and begin to sauté without liquid for 15 minutes .
- Add Tomatoes and Seasonings: Stir in tomatoes, sugar, thyme, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Simmer for 20 minutes . Stir occasionally.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in apple cider vinegar and parsley. Serve hot.
Pro Tips for Okra and Tomatoes Perfection
Want to take your okra and tomatoes to the next level? I've got some tricks up my sleeve. They are all Okra Recipes that make a world of difference.
- Dry okra is key. This minimizes the dreaded slime!
- Don't overcook the okra. Mushy okra is a culinary crime.
- Spice it up. Adjust the red pepper flakes to your liking. This is a really good Vegetarian okra recipe !
Alright, that's it from my end. You now know how to make my version of this Okra and Tomatoes !
Recipe Notes for Your Okra And Tomatoes Recipe
Alright, let's get down to the nitty gritty. These are some extra tips. They'll help you nail your okra and tomatoes recipe every time! I swear, I wish someone had told me these things when I started.
It's all part of the fun of Southern cooking , you know?
Serving Suggestions: Amp Up Your Okra And Tomatoes
Presentation matters, y'all. For a rustic feel, serve your stewed okra and tomatoes straight from the pot. A dollop of sour cream is also great.
Think about serving this Southern side dish over creamy grits. Fluffy rice or alongside some crispy cornbread are awesome too.
A glass of sweet tea is a perfect Southern touch. Honestly, it's hard to go wrong with these pairings.
Storage Tips: Keeping Your Okra Recipes Fresh
Got leftovers of your awesome vegetarian okra recipe ? No problem! Store your okra tomato stew in an airtight container.
It lasts 3-4 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freezing is your friend. Transfer to a freezer safe container. It'll keep for up to 2 months .
To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Then, gently warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Variations: Making This Easy Okra Tomato Recipe Your Own
Want to switch things up? I got you. For a vegan okra recipe , ensure your oil is plant based. Swap sugar with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
Got summer squash? Add it for extra veggies! Don't have red pepper flakes? No sweat, use a dash of hot sauce.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Okra And Tomatoes is more than just tasty! It’s packed with fiber and vitamins. Each serving has around 110 calories, 4g protein, and 4g fiber.
Okra And Tomatoes are also low in fat. They are a healthy addition to your meal. This dish is a great way to get your veggies in.
So, there you have it! Follow these notes, and your okra and tomatoes recipe will be legendary. Trust me; you've got this! Get in the kitchen, have fun, and make this classic dish your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I stop my okra and tomatoes recipe from being slimy? Is there a secret?
Ah, the age-old question! The key to avoiding slimy okra is to make sure it's completely dry before you start cooking it. Dry sauteing as the recipe outlines also helps immensely. Don't overcrowd the pan, as this steams the okra instead of searing it, which can lead to sliminess.
Cooking it in this way ensures there's very little "sliminess".
Can I use frozen okra in this okra and tomatoes recipe? Fresh okra is hard to find sometimes!
Absolutely! Frozen okra is a great substitute when fresh isn't available, a bit like using frozen peas instead of shelling fresh ones. Just thaw it slightly and pat it really dry with paper towels before adding it to the skillet. This will help prevent that unwanted "slimy" texture we're trying to avoid.
It works a treat, trust me!
What's the best way to store leftover okra and tomatoes? And how long will it last?
Leftover okra and tomatoes will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. Just like a good cup of tea, it might even taste better the next day as the flavors meld together. When reheating, do so gently over low heat or in the microwave to avoid making the okra mushy.
It freezes nicely as well for 2-3 months.
Can I add meat to this okra and tomatoes recipe? I'm a meat and-potatoes kind of person!
You bet! This dish is super versatile. A classic Southern addition is a smoked ham hock, which adds a lovely smoky depth. You can also brown some spicy sausage (like andouille or chorizo) before adding the onions for a bit of a kick. Just remember to adjust the seasonings to complement the meat you choose.
It's your party, after all!
Is okra and tomatoes recipe good for you? What are the nutritional benefits?
Yes! Okra and tomatoes is a relatively healthy dish, packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. Okra is a good source of vitamins C and K, while tomatoes are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant. It's a low-calorie, nutrient dense side dish, especially if you're mindful of the amount of salt you add. So, dig in and enjoy!
I don't have apple cider vinegar, can I substitute this with something else in this Okra and Tomatoes recipe?
You definitely can! The apple cider vinegar adds a touch of brightness and balances the sweetness of the tomatoes. If you don't have it on hand, a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of white wine vinegar will do the trick. You really just want a little bit of acid.
Start with about half the amount called for and adjust to taste.
Southern Charm Okra Tomatoes A Simmered Delight
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 110 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 6g |
| Fiber | 4g |
