Smothered Okra And Tomatoes
A savory dish combining tender okra, fresh tomatoes, and shrimp, seasoned with Creole spices, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal that highlights Southern comfort food.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a heavy, large skillet, sauté chopped onion in vegetable oil for 5 minutes.
- Add okra and cook until it ceases to rope, about 15 minutes.
- Add peeled and cut tomatoes, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.
- Add cleaned shrimp and seasonings, cover, and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh, seasonal tomatoes when possible. If you're short on time, frozen okra can be a good substitute. Adjust the Creole seasoning to your taste; for a milder dish, use less. To enhance the dish, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before serving. If you have any leftover shrimp, try incorporating them into Lee'S Shrimp In Angel Hair Pasta Casserole for a delicious meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or green onions for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with rice or cornbread, making it a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving alongside a light salad or some crusty bread. This recipe also makes a delightful side dish for seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. You can also microwave it, covered, in short intervals until heated through, ensuring it remains moist.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Smothered Okra And Tomatoes contains roughly 466 calories, with 13g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 23g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 940mg per serving (41% 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 shrimp and adding more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You could also enhance the flavor with vegetable broth instead of water when cooking the okra and tomatoes.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add more heat, consider using a spicier Creole seasoning or incorporating diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes during cooking. Adjust to your preference, tasting as you go to achieve your desired spice level.
What is the best way to peel fresh tomatoes?
To peel fresh tomatoes easily, score an 'X' on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Transfer immediately to an ice bath; the skins will slip off effortlessly. This technique ensures you get clean, skinless tomatoes for your dish.
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).