Why We Love this Okra Recipe
This simple Okra and Tomatoes Stew recipe is a popular dinner staple in the south. It’s a mixture of bacon, onions, canned tomatoes, and okra, stewed together into a chunky irresistible side dish to serve with all your favorite southern foods! I promise, this recipe will make even the most okra-adverse person happy. Okra pods are often associated with a strange jelly consistency that seeps out of the okra once it’s cut… We like to soak the okra in vinegar-water before cooking to eliminate a large portion of the goo. (Then the acid in the canned tomatoes also reduces the jelly consistency to create a lovely texture.) So you get all of the delicious earthy, summery flavor without any unpleasant texture. Start to finish, the stew is easy to prepare in just over 30 minutes. Make it for a big family meal or as a potluck veggie side dish that is sure to get rave reviews!
Ingredients You Need
Bacon – thick-cut, chopped Onion – peeled and diced Garlic – minced Okra – chopped in 1/2 inch slices Canned diced tomato – I prefer no salt added Bay leaf – enhances the earthy taste Chicken base – or boullion Apple cider vinegar – or white vinegar Salt and black pepper – to taste
Pro Tip: We love using fresh okra for this okra and tomatoes recipe because it creates textural diversity in a dish, however you can use frozen chopped okra as well.
How to Make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Cut the whole okra into pieces and place it in a large bowl. Add 1 cup of vinegar to the bowl along with 1 cup of water. Toss the chopped okra in the vinegar solution and allow it to rest while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Chop the bacon, onions, and garlic. Set aside. Set a large 6-quart saucepot (or dutch oven) over medium heat. Add the bacon pieces. Move the bacon around the pan with a wooden spoon, breaking the pieces apart. Browned the bacon for 3 to 5 minutes, until crispy. Then add the onion and garlic to the bacon fat. Saute the onions and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes to soften. Meanwhile, toss the okra again in the vinegar solution. Then drain and rinse with fresh water. Drain again. Once the onions are soft, add in the okra pieces. Then add the canned tomatoes and tomato juices, bay leaf, chicken base, and 1 cup of water. Stir and bring to a simmer. Then lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, covered. Remove the lid and simmer for another 10+ minutes, until the okra is cooked through and tender, but not mushy. Taste, and add salt and pepper as needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve stewed tomatoes and okra as a side with all of your favorite southern main dishes! A few of our favorites include:
Grilled Ham Steaks Slow Cooker Smoked Pulled Pork Cornmeal Fried Fish Grilled Pork Chops + Carolina Sauce Shrimp and Grits Fried Chicken (Tavern Style!)
It’s also delicious to include with other side dishes for a “veggie plate.” (Which, if you are from the south, you know doesn’t necessarily mean “must be made with vegetables”… but just refers to any side dish not made primarily with meat.) Pair with other classics like Collard Greens, Cajun Dirty Rice, Butter Beans, Cheesy Hominy Casserole, Authentic Hoppin’ John, and Buttermilk Biscuits.
Are okra and tomatoes healthy for you?
Both okra and tomatoes are quite healthy veggies. The bacon adds a bit of indulgent (super tasty) fat, but overall the side dish is on the healthier side. It’s even gluten-free!
How do you make this a vegetarian recipe?
Simply substitute bacon with olive oil, and use a vegetable base rather than chicken bouillon. These two easy swaps make it a totally vegetarian and vegan-friendly southern side dish.
How do you keep okra and tomatoes from being slimy?
Soaking the okra in a vinegar and water solution is essential to get rid of the sliminess. Don’t skip this step for the absolute best okra stew!
How long do leftovers last?
Stewed okra and tomatoes is best to enjoy soon after making the recipe. This is when the veggies are most tender. But you can keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a microwave just until warm.
Looking for More Easy Southern Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:
Carolina Red Slaw Southern Tomato Pie Retro Cornbread Salad Cheesy Hominy Casserole Famous Corn Pudding
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