Creoled Stewed Okra
A flavorful Creole-inspired dish featuring tender okra simmered with tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and seasoned with spices, perfect for those who enjoy hearty vegetable-based meals.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp bacon drippings ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1 small green pepper, chopped
- 2 large garlic cloves, minced ⓘ
- 3 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped ⓘ
- 1 tsp salt ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp black pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1 tsp sugar ⓘ
- 1 tsp dried parsley ⓘ
- 35 medium okra pods, sliced into 1/2-inch slices
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chickpeas ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp chopped coriander leaves ⓘ
- 3 flakes garlic, crushed ⓘ
Instructions
- Soak the chickpeas in water for five to six hours.
- Pressure cook the soaked chickpeas with a little water until they are tender.
- Allow the chickpeas to cool and drain thoroughly.
- Blend the cooked chickpeas in a mixer until smooth, then add crushed garlic, chopped coriander leaves, chopped onion, lemon juice, and salt. Mix well.
- Refrigerate the chickpeas mixture for about an hour.
- Divide the mixture into patties and shape them accordingly.
- Heat oil in a skillet and shallow fry the chickpea patties until golden brown and cooked through.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat bacon drippings over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and minced garlic; sauté until softened.
- Stir in peeled and chopped tomatoes, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, sugar, and dried parsley; cook until tomatoes break down.
- Add sliced okra and chicken broth; simmer until okra is tender and flavors meld.
- Serve the okra stew hot, alongside the fried chickpea patties.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, you can substitute vegetable oil for bacon drippings if you want a vegetarian version. If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra works well too. You can also adjust the spices to suit your heat preference; add more cayenne for extra kick or reduce it for a milder dish. Consider serving this stew with a side of Cabbage Borscht for a vibrant meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the okra stew hot, garnished with additional chopped coriander for freshness. The fried chickpea patties make a great accompaniment, adding texture and protein to the meal. This dish pairs wonderfully with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. A refreshing salad can also complement the meal beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Creoled Stewed Okra can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If the stew thickens too much, add a splash of chicken broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Creoled Stewed Okra contains roughly 654 calories, with 12g protein, 62g carbohydrates, and 41g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (55% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (29% of the Daily Value), and iron (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2361mg per serving (103% 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 chickpeas instead of canned for the patties?
Yes, using fresh chickpeas is a great option! Just soak them for five to six hours and cook them until tender before blending. This will give your patties a fresher taste and better texture compared to canned chickpeas.
What can I substitute for bacon drippings?
If you're looking for a vegetarian alternative, use olive oil or coconut oil instead of bacon drippings. This will still provide a nice flavor base for the sautéed vegetables while keeping the dish plant-based and healthy.
How do I know when the okra is cooked properly?
Okra is cooked properly when it is tender yet still holds its shape, typically taking about 10-15 minutes to simmer in the broth. Be careful not to overcook it, as it can become slimy. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
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).