Homemade Stewed Okra And Tomatoes Recipe: Soulful Southern Comfort

Southern kitchens buzz with delightful okra and tomatoes, a classic dish that whispers comfort and nostalgia.

Culinary traditions from alabama and georgia shine through this simple, hearty recipe.

Tender green pods mingle with ripe, juicy tomatoes in a harmonious dance of flavors.

Generations have cherished this humble side dish that connects families through shared meals.

Fragrant herbs and a touch of pepper bring depth to the skillet’s magic.

Crisp summer produce transforms into a smooth, satisfying accompaniment that complements grilled meats or stands alone as a light lunch.

You’ll fall in love with this uncomplicated yet soul-warming southern staple that celebrates fresh, seasonal ingredients.

Why Stewed Okra And Tomatoes Is A Southern Favorite

• Savor Southern Comfort: Dive into a classic Southern dish that brings warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table, packed with rich, homestyle flavors that remind you of grandma's cooking.
• Master Quick Cooking: Prepare a delicious meal in just a few simple steps, requiring minimal kitchen skills and basic ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry.
• Boost Nutritional Power: Enjoy a vegetable-packed recipe loaded with vitamins and minerals from okra and tomatoes, making it a healthy and satisfying option for health-conscious food lovers.
• Flexible Flavor Profile: Customize the dish with optional ingredients like cayenne for heat or apple cider vinegar for tanginess, allowing you to adjust the taste to your personal preference.

Ingredients For Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

• Okra: A classic Southern vegetable with a unique texture that helps thicken the stew.
• Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes provide a rich, acidic base for the stewed dish.
• Onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic foundation to the flavor profile.
• Garlic: Brings a pungent and intense flavor to the stew.

• Smoked Paprika: Offers a deep, smoky undertone to the dish.
• Cayenne Pepper: Provides a spicy heat that enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that balance and highlight the other ingredients.

• Olive Oil: Creates a smooth cooking base and adds a subtle fruity note.
• Chicken Broth: Helps to create a rich, moisture-rich cooking environment for the vegetables.
• Apple Cider Vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy finish to the stew.

• Parsley, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide a light, fresh accent to the finished dish.

How To Cook Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

Step 1: Sauté Aromatic Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onion and cook until they become soft and translucent, releasing their sweet fragrance.

Step 2: Bloom Garlic Flavor

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a brief moment, filling the kitchen with its rich, pungent aroma.

Step 3: Combine Vegetable Medley

• Sliced okra
• Diced tomatoes
• Chicken broth
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the ingredients to start mingling.

Step 4: Slow Simmer And Develop Flavors

Cover the skillet and let the vegetables cook slowly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Continue until the okra becomes tender and the flavors merge beautifully, typically taking 15-20 minutes.

Step 5: Enhance With Tangy Accent

Splash in apple cider vinegar to brighten the dish with a subtle tang.

Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect balance.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the top.

Serve the stewed okra and tomatoes warm, letting the vibrant colors and aromas entice your dining companions.

Tips For Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

• Trim okra ends carefully to prevent slimy texture and ensure a cleaner, more appealing dish.
• Slice okra into uniform pieces for even cooking and consistent texture throughout the stew.
• Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for a brighter flavor, but canned tomatoes work perfectly when fresh are unavailable.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne pepper to suit personal heat preferences.
• For a vegetarian version, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth without compromising the rich, robust flavors of the dish.

Flavor Variations For Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

• Vegan Veggie Delight: Replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and add extra firm tofu cubes for protein boost.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap okra with cauliflower florets and reduce cooking time to 10-12 minutes for lighter version.
• Spicy Southern Kick: Add andouille sausage or chorizo for a richer, meatier southern-style preparation with deeper flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Incorporate fresh oregano, basil, and add crumbled feta cheese on top for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Serving Suggestions For Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

• Southern Comfort Plate: Pair this stewed okra and tomatoes with fluffy buttermilk cornbread for a classic Southern meal that hugs your soul with warm, hearty flavors.
• Protein Partner: Serve over steamed white rice with grilled chicken or blackened fish to create a complete, satisfying dinner that balances the dish's rich vegetable base.
• Summer Brunch Delight: Spoon the stewed mixture atop crispy toasted sourdough bread and top with a poached egg for a rustic, farm-fresh breakfast experience that celebrates fresh ingredients and simple cooking.
• Quick Meal Hack: Use as a side dish for barbecue pulled pork or as a zesty topping for grilled proteins, adding vibrant color and tangy complexity to your plate.

Best Storage For Stewed Okra And Tomatoes

• Refrigerate leftover stewed okra and tomatoes in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before storing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for maximum 2-3 months, which preserves the dish's texture and flavor profile.
• Reheat refrigerated portions in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even warming.
• Microwave alternative: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each cycle until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Is okra slimy when cooked?

Cooking okra with acidic ingredients like tomatoes helps reduce the slimy texture. Simmering and stirring occasionally during cooking also breaks down the sliminess, creating a more pleasant dish.

• Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?

Yes, frozen okra works perfectly. Thaw and drain excess moisture before adding to the skillet. The cooking process remains the same, and the flavor will be just as delicious.

• What if I don't like spicy food?

Simply omit the cayenne pepper. The smoked paprika provides flavor without intense heat. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.

Savory Okra And Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern classic Stewed Okra and Tomatoes brings comfort and tradition to your table. Fresh vegetables simmer together, creating a hearty side dish that connects families through simple, flavorful ingredients you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) fresh or frozen okra, sliced
• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes (or 2 cups fresh tomatoes, chopped)
• 1 medium onion, diced

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Liquid and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, sautéing diced onions until translucent and slightly golden, approximately 4 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic and quickly sauté for 30-45 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence without burning.
3. Add sliced okra, diced tomatoes, chicken broth, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to the skillet, creating a vibrant, colorful mixture.
4. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and allow the ingredients to simmer gently for 18-22 minutes, stirring every 5-6 minutes to prevent sticking.
5. Check okra’s tenderness and sauce consistency; if needed, continue cooking uncovered to slightly reduce liquid and concentrate flavors.
6. Splash apple cider vinegar into the mixture, providing a bright, tangy undertone that balances the rich, hearty vegetables.
7. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or spices to personal preference.
8. Remove from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld completely.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme, creating a visually appealing and herbaceous finish.
10. Serve immediately while warm, offering a rustic and comforting side dish.

Notes

• Trim okra ends carefully to prevent slimy texture and ensure clean, crisp vegetable pieces.
• Opt for fresh okra when possible, selecting pods that are bright green, firm, and under 4 inches long for best flavor and texture.
• Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels and allow more precise seasoning during cooking.
• Consider adding diced bell peppers for extra nutrition and a subtle sweet crunch that complements the okra’s earthy profile.

• Prep Time: 5 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: 300 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3.2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg