Stewed Tomatoes And Okra
A flavorful Southern-inspired dish featuring tender okra, tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick vegetarian side or light main course.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Remove tip and stem ends from okra; cut okra into 1/4-inch slices and set aside.
- Coat a medium saucepan with vegetable cooking spray and place over medium heat until hot.
- Add onion and bell pepper; cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add okra, tomatoes, lemon juice, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and hot sauce.
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes or until okra is tender, stirring occasionally.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding garlic or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat. If fresh okra is unavailable, frozen okra can be used as a substitute. For a vegan twist, ensure the cooking spray used is plant-based. Adjust the amount of lemon juice based on your taste preference; it can brighten the dish significantly.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the stewed tomatoes and okra over a bed of rice or alongside cornbread for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with Cabbage-Onion Slaw for a refreshing contrast. Consider garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. This dish is also a great side for grilled meats or fish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in a saucepan over low heat until heated through, stirring occasionally to maintain the texture of the okra. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Stewed Tomatoes And Okra contains roughly 68 calories, with 2g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (120% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and dietary fiber. It also contributes 3g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
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 substituted for fresh tomatoes in this recipe. Use about 1.5 to 2 cups of canned diced tomatoes. Just be sure to drain them slightly to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.
Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully overnight, making it even more delicious when reheated.
What can I do if the okra becomes slimy?
If your okra becomes slimy, it's often due to cooking it too long or at too high a temperature. To reduce slime, you can sauté the okra separately before adding it to the pot or cook it uncovered to allow moisture to evaporate.
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).