Okra And Tomato Gumbo(Microwave)
A quick and flavorful Southern dish featuring tender okra and tomatoes, enhanced with bacon grease, onions, and a hint of sweetness from sugar. Perfect for those who enjoy hearty, vegetable-based comfort foods with rich, tangy flavors, served best over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a microwave-safe dish.
- Cover tightly and microwave on High for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Serve over rice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, try sautéing the onions in the bacon grease before adding the other ingredients. If fresh okra is unavailable, you can use an additional 10 oz. of frozen okra. Adjust the sugar according to the acidity of your tomatoes; if they are very sweet, reduce the sugar amount. This gumbo pairs beautifully with Southern Baked Pork Chops.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gumbo over cooked rice for a hearty meal. It also pairs well with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful broth. Consider serving a simple green salad on the side to balance the richness of the dish, or browse more Southern recipes for additional inspiration.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the gumbo in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. You can also add a splash of water if it seems too thick after refrigeration.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Okra And Tomato Gumbo(Microwave) contains roughly 508 calories, with 7g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (114% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (25% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1999mg per serving (87% 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 canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Yes, canned tomatoes can be used as a substitute for fresh ones in this recipe. Use about 2 cups of canned diced tomatoes, draining some of the liquid to prevent the gumbo from becoming too watery. This is a great option if fresh tomatoes are out of season or unavailable.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make this gumbo vegetarian, simply replace the bacon grease with olive oil or vegetable oil. You can also add more vegetables like bell peppers or celery to enhance the flavor. For a protein boost, consider adding cooked beans or lentils.
What can I do if my gumbo is too thick?
If your gumbo turns out too thick, simply add a little water or vegetable broth to reach your desired consistency. Stir well and microwave for an additional minute if needed. This will help loosen the mixture without compromising the flavor.
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).