Description
Southern comfort meets garden-fresh goodness in this classic Stewed Okra and Tomatoes dish, perfected with Southern hospitality. Simmering with rich flavors and simple ingredients, you’ll savor a comforting side that connects generations of home cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables:
- 1 pound (454 grams) fresh okra, sliced
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup water or broth
Instructions
- Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, drizzling olive oil across the surface to create a light, even coating.
- Introduce finely chopped onions and minced garlic, gently sautéing until they transform into a translucent, fragrant mixture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Carefully fold in fresh okra, allowing it to dance in the aromatic base, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking for 5 minutes.
- Pour diced tomatoes and a splash of vegetable broth into the skillet, creating a vibrant, bubbling liquid foundation.
- Sprinkle a harmonious blend of salt, cracked black pepper, smoky paprika, and dried thyme to elevate the dish’s flavor profile.
- Lower the heat, cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid, and let the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, allowing the okra to soften and the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Taste and recalibrate seasonings, adding additional salt or herbs if desired to achieve a perfectly balanced result.
- Transfer the stewed okra and tomatoes to a serving dish, presenting the warm, comforting creation ready to be enjoyed immediately.
Notes
- Choose fresh, firm okra to prevent a slimy texture and ensure the best taste and cooking quality.
- Remove stems carefully and slice okra diagonally for better presentation and even cooking.
- Consider adding a splash of vinegar or lemon juice to cut through the okra’s natural mucilaginous texture and brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Reduce cooking time slightly for a crisp-tender okra texture if you prefer less softened vegetables in the dish.
- 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: 5 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 7 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg