It’s so good and simple that it has become one of the regulars at our dining table. And I know doing more than just feeding my family; I’m nourishing them. It’s a good thing my boy loves okras, too. Yaaay!
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
I’d like to think that our okra stew here is a simplified version of gumbo without the roux and seafood stock. But don’t worry because we have intensely flavored chicken stock with chunks of okra and tomato paste to thicken our stew. So, if you’re craving gumbo but don’t have time to make it, then this okra stew will save the day. It is equally delicious and so easy to make and will surely satisfy your gumbo cravings in less than an hour. Oh yes!
Okra Stew Recipe Ingredients
And since we’re basically making a shortcut version of gumbo, the ingredients are simplified, too. Woohoo!
Okra – It doesn’t matter whether you use fresh or frozen okra for this recipe because either will yield a fantastic okra stew complete with all the nutrients from okra. Chicken – I prefer the thigh or breast part because they are the meatiest parts. Don’t forget to rub your chicken with salt, pepper, and Immaculate Bites salt-free Creole seasoning, so it’s more flavorful after searing. You could also use beef, pork, or lamb if you prefer.Seasonings – To make our soup base more flavorful and rich, I added a combination of chicken stock and bouillon powder. And, of course, the Creole seasoning adds the Immified touch to our easy recipe, while paprika adds a smokey flavor and lovely reddish hue without the heat. Aromatics – These aromatics – onion, garlic, and ginger are responsible for making our okra dish savory and tasty. Without them, our stew won’t be as fantastic. Plus, you don’t want to miss their exceptional fragrance while sauteing. Intoxicatingly good, indeed! Tomatoes and Tomato Paste – Tomatoes are naturally sweet and tart, making them a great addition to our stew. Aside from adding color, tomato paste also gives our stew the right consistency. 👌
How to Make Okra Stew
Prep the Okra and Chicken Saute and Simmer
Recipe Variations
Vegetarian – Skip the meat, use vegetable broth and bouillon, and add more veggies such as spinach, carrot, bell pepper, zucchini, and celery. Or you can also add some tofu, tempeh, or mushrooms as meat replacers. Meat Options – Aside from chicken, I also love adding seafood to this okra soup. My favorites are shrimp, oyster, mussel, and crab meat. And, of course, you can also try it with turkey, pork, and beef. Ham and bacon also add a delicious smokey flavor. 😉Spicy – A splash of hot sauce and sprinkles of cayenne and pepper flakes will instantly level up our dish. And if that’s not hot enough, then I suggest adding serranos, Scotch bonnets, jalapenos, or habaneros for an exquisite tongue-burning experience.
Tips and Tricks
Fresh okra tends to get slimy when cooked, thickening our soup base. However, the tomato’s acidity cuts the slime beautifully, which is why we add plenty.If you want to lessen the slime even more, slice the okra and fry it in hot oil before adding it to the stew.You can also reduce the slimy texture by soaking the cut okra in vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Serving and Storage Instructions
I suggest doubling this okra stew recipe because it’s so good you’ll be asking for seconds. Oh boy! Good thing it’s guilt-free, gluten-free, and low-carb. Yaaay! Yet another reason to enjoy our hearty stew steaming hot on a bed of white rice in a weekly rotation. Oh yes! And oh, don’t worry about the leftovers because I got you covered. 😉
Store – Let the okra, chicken, and tomato stew cool completely before transferring into a clean and dry sealable container. Refrigerate – It can be safely stored in the fridge for up to three days, but not longer because the tomatoes are highly perishable. Freeze – I recommend freezing the leftover okra stew if you’re not going to eat it right away. Keeping it in the freezer extends its shelf life for up to three months.Reheat – Reheat on a stove over medium heat, covered, until hot. Or heat the leftover stew in the microwave, especially when reheating a small serving.
What Goes Well with Okra Stew
Eating okra stew with a scoop of steaming white rice is comforting enough, but dinner rolls or fufu take it to a whole new level of deliciousness – just the perfect meal combo for a relaxing and cozy dinner at home. You should definitely try it with these fantastic recipes below to make it more filling and satisfying.
Grilled Caribbean Coconut ShrimpAlcapurriasSouthern Fried CatfishAir-Fryer Hush PuppiesButtermilk Biscuits
More Okra Recipes to Try
Okra GumboCreole Chicken OkraAfrican Okro SoupFried OkraMuamba Chicken (Muamba De Galinha)
Watch How to Make It
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id=”gRumLmck” upload-date=”2022-03-07T07:22:25.000Z” name=”Okra Stew” description=”Okra Stew is a mouthwatering, thick tomato-based stew with okra, chicken, and spices. It’s soul food at its finest, packed with nutrients, and economical, too. This traditional West African delight is kicked up a notch with spicy Creole seasonings for a hearty meal. ” player-type=”collapse” override-embed=”false”]
