Stewed Okra with Tomatoes (Soul Food)

Related Okra Recipe Posts:

• Southern Fried Okra
• Roasted Okra
• Grilled Okra

Welcome to the comforting and soulful world of stewed okra and tomatoes. This classic Southern side dish, steeped in Southern and soul food traditions, combines the delicate flavors of tender okra pods and juicy tomatoes, simmered together in a delicious mix of herbs and spices.

With each spoonful, you'll experience the hearty essence of the South, where time-honored recipes bring together the freshest ingredients to create flavors that warm the soul and leave you craving for more.

Leveled up stewed okra featuring simple spices heated in oil to dial up flavor and infuse the okra and tomatoes with even more complex flavor for a great side dish in a matter of minutes.

If I go to a “soul food” joint and stewed okra ain’t on the menu, I’m already suspicious of said joint. I ain’t saying you have to have it on your menu to be considered legit, I’m just saying you got more to prove to me aka the soul food snob!

In my experience, stewed okra flavor begins with bacon. Bacon is usually the first ingredient in the pan and then the onions and garlic are sautéed in the grease before the other ingredients are layered in. I decided to ax the bacon to make a true plant-based vegan version.

The other reason I went without bacon was to keep that fresh okra flavor which tends to get lost in the midst of that glorious bacon. No bacon, however, meant I had to rely on a few tricks to make up for the loss in flavor from excluding it. Don't sweat it though, this recipe got plenty of soul. You'll dig it, no doubt.

Okra and tomatoes are an excellent combination that uses fresh summer vegetables favorites. Simple dishes can be made fresh from the garden or farmers market. "Stewed" sounds like a long time, but this recipe actually comes together rather quickly and easily.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with stewed okra and tomatoes)

Bobby Byrd's "I Know You Got Soul" harmonizes effortlessly with stewed okra, creating a sensory experience that transcends the realms of music and cuisine. The song's infectious rhythm and soulful vibe mirror the lively and vibrant nature of this side dish cuisine.

Both celebrate authenticity and a deep connection to roots, embodying a cultural richness that resonates with each beat and every tender okra pod. The energetic groove of "I Know You Got Soul" amplifies the enjoyment of savoring the okra stew as my grandma called it, creating a dope synergy that brings together the soulful notes of music and the savory notes of this traditional dish.

Eating okra was a regular thing in my house. After this dish you might wanna add them to your regular rotation.

Key Flavor Ingredients For The Best Stewed Okra

• Fresh okra
• Lemon juice - Adding lemon juice to stewed okra and tomatoes introduces a bright and citrusy element that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.
• Olive oil
• Garlic cloves - When stewing okra and tomatoes, garlic can help balance the natural sweetness of the tomatoes. It adds a savory counterpoint that prevents the dish from becoming overly sweet, creating a well-rounded flavor profile. Garlic works in harmony with other spices and herbs, enhancing their individual profiles.
• Mustard powder - brings a tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste profile of the stewed okra and tomatoes. It carries a subtle spiciness that contributes a gentle warmth to the dish. This mild heat complements the other spices used in the recipe, creating a well-balanced and nuanced flavor.
• Smoked Paprika - adds a delightful smokiness and depth of flavor to the dish
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Cayenne - introduces a subtle heat and enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish
• Bay leaf - Adding bay leaves to stewed okra and tomatoes imparts a subtle, earthy flavor that enhances the overall aromatic profile of the dish.
• Yellow onion - add a sweet and savory flavor foundation to stewed okra and tomatoes, contributing to the overall richness and depth of the dish. They have a natural sweetness that intensifies as they cook. This sweetness helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes, creating a harmonious and well-rounded flavor profile in the stewed okra and tomatoes.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes - I prefer either fresh or diced tomatoes. Reject other tomato flavor sources like tomato sauce or paste.
• Water
• Red Pepper Flakes (optional)

STEWING OKRA INSTRUCTIONS

Slice the okra into ¼ -½ inch slices. Cut the lemon in half, then using one half, squeeze lemon juice on the okra and let sit 5-10 minutes.

Heat a medium saucepan or large skillet on low heat. Add olive oil and once heated add the garlic cloves and half the spices. Let the oil simmer 3-4 minutes to allow the infusion of the garlic and spices to occur.

Increase to medium high heat then add onions and saute for 3-4 minutes. Add the sliced okra and cook for 2 minutes, stirring as needed.

Add the tomatoes and cook over high heat until they release their juices which should take about a minute. Add the water, cayenne, bay leaf, and remaining spices. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes stirring as often as needed. Stir in juice from the other lemon half and serve.

Taste for seasoning. Add freshly ground black pepper, salt, and paprika if needed.

What To Serve With Stewed Okra

When serving stewed okra and tomatoes, there are several complementary dishes that can enhance the flavors and create a well-balanced meal. Here are some suggestions:

1. Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread pairs wonderfully with the rich and savory flavors of the stewed okra and tomatoes.
2. rice: Serve the stewed okra and tomatoes over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up the delicious juices and create a satisfying meal.
3. Fried Chicken: The crispy and flavorful fried chicken adds a extra Southern vibe to the meal and complements the hearty flavors of the okra and tomatoes.
4. Collard Greens: The earthy and slightly bitter collard greens complements the flavors of the stewed okra and tomatoes.
5. Grilled Fish: Serve the stewed okra and tomatoes alongside a tender and flaky fish, creating a well-rounded meal with a combination of flavors and textures.
6. Curry Cauliflower: Include the Curry cauliflower as another vegetarian or vegan side dish alongside other Vegan soul food dishes.
7. Fried Blackeyed Peas: this is a non-traditional vegan soul food side dish options that pairs well with stewed okra.

TIPS FOR MAXIMIZING FLAVOR IN THIS OKRA AND TOMATOES RECIPE

Salt the okra and then toss in lemon-juice water which keeps the okra from getting all gummy when you cook them

For more complex flavor heat spices and garlic in oil before adding the vegetables.

When adding the tomatoes cook at high heat for them to release their juices, then quickly reduce heat to a simmer

Feel free to use whole or sliced okra. It’s your choice, but if slicing, cut the okra thick

Stewed okra can be made ahead and refrigerated. Reheat slowly in a saucepan.

Fresh or frozen okra is your choice. This recipe absolutely works with frozen okra. My preference is fresh, but if I need convenience or want stewed okra during off-season I will substitute the frozen pods.

If stewed okra isn't your thing because of the okra, substitute green beans in the recipe instead.

Apple cider vinegar contributes acidity to the stewed okra, balancing the natural richness and earthiness of the vegetable. This acidity helps cut through the potential sliminess of okra, providing a brighter and more refreshing taste.

Served with fried pork chops, smoked fried chicken or blackened pork chops. Add some hot water cornbread or buttermilk biscuits as well. Also, consider any of these popular soul food meat dishes.

Additional Tomatoes Stewed Okra Flavor Hacks

This isn’t as hard as you may think. I did two things upfront. One smash up about 3-5 garlic cloves and slowly simmered them in olive oil for about 20 minutes along with some fresh basil and spices. Heating spices intensifies their flavors. I observed this in Indian cooking over the years and adopted this approach in my style.

In the past, when making a similar dish, I’ve borrowed from my Caribbean cousins to make up for the lack of bacon. I’ve either used a Puerto Rican style sofrito or Haitian epis, both of which rely on a salsa-like condiment featuring tomatoes, garlic, and herbs to serve as the base flavor.

I got resourceful and went with the Indian option out of necessity to a certain degree as I didn’t have good fresh herbs on hand. This fewer ingredient okra recipe came out just fine, if not better. If you’re the type who doesn’t like the flavor of okra, then skip to another post, cause okra is in the house; it’s the star!

Try either approach if you wish and decide your preference. I’ll be going back and forth depending on the mood, vibe, and occasion.

I like using fresh tomatoes when good quality and flavorful heirloom tomatoes are available. You'll have to dice them yourself but it's worth the flavor boost.

I used my own spice mix in order to control salt content, but if you have a preferred creole seasoning mix you can substitute for convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooking Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

Can You Use Frozen Okra In This Recipe?

Frozen okra is fine, but not preferred. Fresh okra is best to fully enjoy that great flavor.

Can You Used Canned Tomatoes?

Canned tomatoes are an ok substitute. I'm still partial to fresh, but if you're going the canned route then use fire-roasted tomatoes for a bit more flavor.

What Do You Serve With Stewed Okra?

Serve these with a Southern inspired menu of easy to make recipes. Hot water cornbread or buttermilk biscuits with sides like red rice and mac and cheese. For main entree options pair with dishes like fried chicken, smothered pork chops, or fried catfish.

How Do You Store Leftover Stewed Okra and Tomatoes?

Leftover okra and tomatoes can be kept in a sealed bag in a fridge for 1-3 days. In reheating mode, simply microwave until warm, or place the skillet on low heat for frying.

MORE OKRA RECIPES

Callaloo

Charred Okra with Harissa Sauce

Okra Soup

Okra Fried Rice

Collard Greens and Okra Salad

Blistered Whole Okra

Stewed Okra with Sofrito

Pickled Okra

Peas and Okra

MAKE SOUTHERN STEWED OKRA RECIPE

Stewed okra and tomatoes embody the essence of soul food cooking, i.e. vibrant colors, robust flavors, slow simmering, and complex tastes. This dish captures the heart and soul of Southern cuisine.

From the first bite to the last, it transports you to a place of comfort and warmth, where family gatherings and shared meals create cherished memories. Add this side to your menu and let it bring a taste of tradition and a touch of love to your table.

We hope you enjoyed this recipe for stewed okra and tomatoes. If you give it a try, be sure to let us know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget to share your photos on social media using the hashtag #foodfidelity. We can’t wait to see them!

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