Okra And Sausage Creole
A flavorful Creole dish featuring tender okra and savory sausage simmered in a tomato-based sauce with fresh herbs and spices, perfect for hearty, comforting meals.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 c. fresh chopped parsley ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped green onion ⓘ
- 1 c. chopped bell pepper ⓘ
- 2 c. chopped tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 c. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 2 tsp. soy sauce ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced ⓘ
- 1 c. water ⓘ
- 1 lb. sausage, sliced ⓘ
- 10 c. sliced okra ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- hot sauce to taste ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large, heavy-duty pot, heat olive oil.
- Sauté onion, parsley, green onion, and bell pepper until onions are clear.
- Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, soy sauce, garlic, water, and sausage. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it comes to a boil.
- Add okra, salt, and hot sauce. Reduce heat and simmer until okra is tender, about 45 minutes.
- The longer it cooks, the better the taste.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using smoked sausage or andouille sausage. Fresh okra is best, but you can substitute frozen if necessary. To enhance the dish, add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat. If you prefer more vegetables, feel free to incorporate zucchini or corn. This dish also pairs well with a side of rice or crusty bread.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Okra and Sausage Creole hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or green onions for freshness. This dish is excellent over steamed rice or with crusty bread on the side. It also pairs beautifully with a side salad, such as a refreshing Caribbean Lamb Salad, to balance the richness of the creole.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid freezing, as okra's texture may suffer.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Okra And Sausage Creole contains roughly 376 calories, with 13g protein, 46g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (100% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and protein (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! You can substitute with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a vegetarian sausage for a lighter option. Each type will bring its unique flavor to the dish, so choose one that suits your taste preference.
What if I can't find fresh okra?
If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra can be used as a convenient substitute. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing. Keep in mind that the texture may differ slightly, but the flavor will still be delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a few dashes of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also serve it with your favorite hot sauce on the side, allowing guests to customize the spice level to their liking.
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).