Busy Day Vegetable Stew And Rice
A hearty and flavorful vegetable stew with smoked ham, bursting with savory, sweet, and earthy notes. Perfect for busy days, this comforting dish combines tender ham, corn, tomatoes, and okra, making it a satisfying meal that pairs well with bread and is ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water ⓘ
- 1 pound smoked ham bones or ham hocks ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, minced ⓘ
- 17 ounces canned whole kernel corn, drained ⓘ
- 16 ounces canned whole peeled tomatoes, cut up ⓘ
- 10 ounces frozen cut okra ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon dried basil leaves ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon sugar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring water, ham, chopped onion, and minced garlic to a boil in a large saucepot.
- Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer for 2 hours or until the ham is tender.
- Remove the ham; let it cool slightly.
- Cut the meat from the bones and return it to the pot; discard the bones.
- Add the drained corn, chopped tomatoes, frozen okra, dried basil, sugar, salt, and pepper to the pot.
- Return to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 10 minutes or until the okra is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Serve the stew with corn bread or French bread.
Tips & Substitutions
For a heartier stew, consider adding diced potatoes or carrots. If you don't have ham bones, diced smoked sausage can be a great substitute. To enhance the flavor, try sautéing the onion and garlic in a bit of oil before adding them to the pot. If you're looking for a vegetarian option, use vegetable broth and omit the ham for a delicious vegan recipe variation.
Serving Suggestions
This vegetable stew pairs beautifully with cornbread or French bread for dipping. A simple green salad can complement the dish, adding freshness. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside a fruit salad or a light dessert like Western Walnut Ice Cream Topping to balance the savory flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the stew on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it thickens too much. It can also be reheated in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Busy Day Vegetable Stew And Rice contains roughly 585 calories, with 13g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (177% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (71% of the Daily Value), and protein (27% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1088mg per serving (47% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of canned?
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables like corn, diced tomatoes, and okra can be used, but adjust cooking times accordingly. Fresh ingredients may take a bit longer to cook, so ensure they are tender before serving.
How can I make this stew spicier?
To add some heat, consider including diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper during the cooking process. You can also serve the stew with hot sauce on the side for those who enjoy extra spice.
Is this stew freezable?
Yes, this stew freezes well! Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).