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Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes Recipe

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3.9 from 7 reviews

Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that highlights tender okra simmered with ripe tomatoes, aromatic onions, garlic, and a blend of spices. This classic Southern recipe delivers a comforting, slightly spicy stew with a rich, thick tomato sauce, perfect for a side dish or vegetarian main.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 pound okra (fresh or frozen), trimmed and sliced into one-inch rounds
  • 1 sweet yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, crushed or minced
  • 14 ounces diced tomatoes (with juice)

Liquids

  • 1/2 cup chicken broth (or stock)
  • 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Seasonings

  • 1 bouillon cube, crushed into powder
  • Crushed red pepper, to taste
  • Sea salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 bay leaf

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Trim and slice the okra into one-inch rounds, dice the onion, and crush or mince the garlic to prepare them for cooking.
  2. Bloom the Aromatics: Heat the cooking oil in a skillet over medium flame until it shimmers and moves easily around the pan, about two minutes. Add the diced onion, crushed bouillon cube powder, crushed red pepper, sea salt, and black pepper, stirring to coat the onions with the oil and spices.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: Cook the onions until fragrant and translucent, about four minutes. Then add the crushed or minced garlic and cook for one minute more, allowing the garlic to release its flavor.
  4. Simmer Okra and Tomatoes: Stir in the sliced okra, diced tomatoes with their juice, chicken broth, and bay leaf. Bring the mixture to a bubble, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for approximately 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes. Cook until the okra reaches your desired tenderness and most of the tomato juice has evaporated, creating a thick, tomato-y sauce. If using frozen okra, start checking for doneness at about 10 minutes as it will cook faster.
  5. Serve Warm: Remove the bay leaf and serve the Southern Stewed Okra and Tomatoes warm as a delicious side or vegetarian entree.

Notes

  • For vegetarian or vegan versions, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth.
  • If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra can be used but monitor doneness closely.
  • Adjust crushed red pepper to control the spiciness to your preference.
  • The dish thickens as it simmers; stir regularly to prevent sticking and burning.
  • This dish pairs well with cornbread, rice, or as a side to grilled meats.
  • Author: Monica
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Southern American
  • Diet: Halal

Find it online: https://monicarecipes.com/southern-stewed-okra-and-tomatoes-recipe/