Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a classic Southern dish! Flavored with bacon, onion, garlic and cider vinegar, you know these vegetables are bound to be good. Serve garden fresh okra and tomatoes during the summer months, or use canned and frozen ingredients in the off-season. Paired with a side of cornbread, this is a simple and affordable dish to enjoy year-round!
Okra is high in fiber, calcium, and vitamin C. It helps lower blood sugar levels and has cholesterol-lowering properties. Oh did I forget to mention that it’s vegan? This simple vegan recipe for okra and tomatoes is easy to make, wholesome, and delicious.
How to Make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes | 1-Minute Video
Okra seems to be quite divisive: folks either love it or they hate it! This mild green fruit (yes, we treat it like a vegetable, but it’s actually a fruit) that has a unique grassy flavor — somewhat similar to eggplant or green beans — thrives in hot and humid climates, making it a staple in Southern cuisine. My mom has always loved fried okra, so I suppose that I come by my affinity for the little pods naturally! That said, I think that I might just prefer this easy stewed okra and tomatoes recipe over the breaded, fried variety. Hard to believe, right?! It’s just that good…
Maybe it’s the bacon, onion and garlic that really sets this dish apart? My local friends were laughing recently when I shared my recipe for Southern-Style Green Beans (which of course includes bacon as well) — one said that, “I was a teenager when I learned not all vegetables have meat in them or are soaked in butter,” and another said, “whhaaaaaaatttt????? “Fat back” isn’t a vegetable????” I suppose that we learned a long time ago — bacon, fatback, and ham hocks make okra and just about every other vegetable taste better!
How do you make okra not slimy?
Okra contains mucilage, a substance that acts as a natural thickener when heated. While this is beneficial to dishes like gumbo, it also produces the sliminess that’s often associated with okra. Honestly, I haven’t noticed that the okra has a slimy texture in this particular recipe. That said, there are a few proven methods for reducing the slime quotient of cooked okra. Some folks suggest waiting to slice the okra until right before you’re ready to cook it. Others claim that soaking it in vinegar before cooking helps minimize a slimy texture. Again, I’m not too worried about slimy okra here, as I haven’t noticed that it’s a problem.
This is just a quick overview of the ingredients that you’ll need for this Southern okra and tomatoes recipe. As always, specific measurements and step-by-step instructions are included in the printable recipe box at the bottom of the post.
- Okra: fresh when it’s in season, or frozen as a great substitute. If using frozen, you don’t even need to thaw it before adding it to the pot.
- Tomatoes: use fresh tomatoes when they’re in season; otherwise canned tomatoes are your best bet.
- Bacon: I always use thick-cut bacon. If you’re using regular bacon, you’ll need an extra strip or two.
- Vidalia onion: for delicious sweet and savory flavor. If you can’t find Vidalia onions, just use any other sweet onion variety.
- Garlic, thyme, bay leaf, salt and pepper: for even more flavor.
- Apple cider vinegar: a bright, acidic touch.
- Sugar: balances the acidity in the tomatoes.
- Worcestershire sauce: for salty, umami flavor.
Here’s What Happens To Your Body When You Eat Okra!
FAQ
What does eating okra do for your body?
Is okra the healthiest vegetable?
What is the healthiest way to eat okra?
How much protein is in okra and tomatoes?
Is okra good for You?
Okra contains beneficial antioxidants, fiber, vitamins and minerals. Its disease-fighting nutrients promote heart health, blood sugar management and better digestion. Okra also boosts bone health due to its calcium and vitamin K content. Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission.
Can one lose weight by eating okra?
Several okra compounds may promote weight loss, as it is high in fiber and low in calories, with only 33 calories per cup. It must be combined with a healthy diet.
What to eat with okra & tomatoes?
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a healthy and delicious southern side. Fresh summer okra, sliced and cooked with canned tomatoes (you could use fresh instead), bacon, onion, celery, and a few seasonings makes a delicious vegetable side dish for almost any meal. I look forward to eating okra each and every summer.
Should I use fresh okra or canned tomatoes?
Use fresh okra and fresh tomatoes in the summer when the produce is at its peak. Otherwise, frozen okra and canned tomatoes also work beautifully and offer consistent flavor and texture. Frozen okra tends to soften a bit faster than fresh okra, so reduce the cooking time slightly if using frozen vegetables.