Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
User Reviews
5
Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Description
Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes features whole okra cooked together with canned diced tomatoes and sautéed onions in bacon drippings or butter. The process begins by browning onions until lightly caramelized, then adding tomatoes to soften and reduce their liquid. Fresh or frozen okra is added along with some water to simmer the vegetables quietly until the okra becomes tender and the mixture thickens slightly.
The flavor is straightforward with the smokiness and richness from bacon drippings, balanced by the acidity and juiciness of tomatoes and the unique, slightly slimy texture of cooked okra. The dish offers a classic Southern vegetable side that complements hearty main courses and benefits from slow, gentle cooking to develop taste and soften the vegetables.
Stewed okra is often served alongside grilled meats or rice, making it a flexible addition to Southern home meals. The texture is soft but not mushy, with the okra’s natural tenderness captured without overcooking.
Frozen okra requires no thawing before cooking, and the dish can be prepared up to two days ahead and refrigerated. Reheat gently and store leftovers up to two days in an airtight container.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ teaspoons bacon drippings or butter or margarine
- 1 onion chopped, large
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes canned with juice
- 1 pound okra whole, fresh or frozen
- ½ cup water more as needed during cooking
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the bacon drippings to the pan.
- When the bacon fat (or butter) has melted, add the chopped onion and sauté until it just begins to brown.
- Add the diced tomatoes with their juice. Cook until the tomatoes have softened and the liquid has nearly evaporated (about 10 minutes).
- Add the okra and water. Stir well to combine. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan and cook until the okra is tender and cooked through (about 15 minutes). Check and stir often adding a small amount of additional water if needed during cooking.
Notes
- Frozen okra can be used directly without thawing for convenience.
- Prepare up to two days in advance and store in the refrigerator to let flavors meld.
- Reheat slowly over low heat before serving to preserve texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to two days maximum.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 97 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1 | |
| Calories | 97kcal | 5% |
| Carbohydrates | 19g | 6% |
| Protein | 4g | 8% |
| Fat | 2g | 3% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 1mg | 0% |
| Sodium | 307mg | 13% |
| Potassium | 766mg | 16% |
| Fiber | 6g | 24% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1053IU | 21% |
| Vitamin C | 47mg | 52% |
| Calcium | 164mg | 16% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
