Skillet Okra And Vegetables
A hearty skillet dish featuring crispy bacon, tender okra, tomatoes, corn, and beans, offering a savory, slightly smoky flavor perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy 12-inch skillet, cook bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon and drain on paper towel.
- Reserve 2 tablespoons of drippings in the skillet.
- Add chopped onion and cook until tender.
- Add drained vegetables: diced tomatoes, sliced okra, butter beans, and corn.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer uncovered about 20 minutes or until liquid has almost evaporated.
- Crumble bacon and sprinkle on top before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat. If you can't find fresh okra, frozen okra works well as a substitute. You can also swap out the butter beans for black-eyed peas or chickpeas for a different texture. To enhance the dish, add a splash of vinegar for brightness before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This skillet okra and vegetables dish pairs beautifully with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, serve alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it as a side dish at a summer barbecue or picnic, where it complements other southern-style dishes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the skillet over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, you can microwave in a covered dish, adding a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Skillet Okra And Vegetables contains roughly 211 calories, with 6g protein, 25g carbohydrates, and 11g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (17% of the Daily Value), protein (12% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (11% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 504mg per serving (22% 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 make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or vegetable oil instead. To add more depth of flavor, consider incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke to mimic the richness that bacon provides.
What can I use instead of canned diced tomatoes?
If you prefer fresh ingredients, you can use about 2 cups of fresh tomatoes, chopped. Alternatively, crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce can work as well, but adjust the cooking time to ensure the vegetables are tender and the flavors meld well.
How can I customize the vegetables in this recipe?
Feel free to customize the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, zucchini, or even squash can be great additions. Just ensure that the total volume of vegetables remains similar to maintain the right texture and balance of flavors.
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).