Texas Okra And Tomatoes
A savory Southern dish combining crispy bacon, tender okra, and fresh tomatoes with spicy jalapenos, perfect for a hearty family meal or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp; remove bacon, reserving drippings in skillet.
- Crumble bacon and set aside.
- Saute onion and jalapeno pepper in bacon drippings until tender.
- Add sliced okra and chopped tomatoes to the skillet.
- Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add crumbled bacon to the skillet and serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using smoked bacon or adding a dash of hot sauce to the dish. If you want a vegetarian version, substitute the bacon with olive oil and smoked paprika. Fresh tomatoes work best, but canned can be used in a pinch. Adjust the jalapenos based on your heat preference or substitute with bell peppers for a milder taste.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas Okra and Tomatoes hot, garnished with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice, making it a perfect side dish to accompany grilled meats or rich pork recipes. A dollop of sour cream can also enhance the dish's creaminess.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Okra And Tomatoes contains roughly 527 calories, with 12g protein, 61g carbohydrates, and 28g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (43% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (26% of the Daily Value), and protein (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1207mg per serving (52% 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 frozen okra for this recipe?
Yes, frozen okra can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it first to avoid excess moisture. This will help achieve a better texture in the final dish.
What type of tomatoes work best for this dish?
Fresh, ripe tomatoes are ideal for their flavor and texture, but you can also use canned diced tomatoes if fresh ones are unavailable. Just make sure to drain them well before adding.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeno peppers or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. Additionally, serving with a side of hot sauce allows everyone to customize their spice level.
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).