Janie'S Southern Style Okra
Janie's Southern Style Okra offers a hearty, flavorful dish with crispy bacon, tender okra, and fresh vegetables, perfect for comforting family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a skillet, fry bacon until crisp.
- Drain bacon on paper towels.
- Add pepper, salt, celery, and onions to the drippings in the skillet.
- Cook until tender.
- Add remaining ingredients: tomatoes, corn, and okra.
- Cover and simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until okra is tender, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoky flavor, consider substituting the bacon with smoked turkey or adding a dash of liquid smoke. If you're short on time, frozen veggies can replace fresh ones. Adjust the salt based on your taste preference, especially if using canned corn. For a heartier dish, add cooked sausage or some diced chicken. Serve with rice for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a main course alongside cornbread or over rice for a filling meal. It pairs beautifully with Fried Okra And Tomatoes for a Southern feast. A simple green salad or coleslaw can complement the flavors nicely. Consider serving it with grilled meats for a hearty summer barbecue.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water to prevent sticking, or microwave in 30-second intervals until heated through. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the okra may become mushy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Janie'S Southern Style Okra contains roughly 174 calories, with 7g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (48% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2215mg per serving (96% 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 okra instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh cut okra will provide a better texture and flavor. Just make sure to wash and trim the okra before adding it to the dish. Fresh okra usually cooks in the same time frame as frozen, but check for tenderness as you cook.
What can I do if the dish is too salty?
If you find the dish too salty, try adding a bit more chopped tomatoes or a small amount of sugar to balance the flavors. Adding additional vegetables can also dilute the saltiness. Serve it with plain rice to help absorb some of the saltiness.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using vegetable oil for sautéing. Consider adding more vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for added flavor and texture. A touch of smoked paprika can also provide a smoky flavor without the meat.
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).