Tomatoes And Okra
A flavorful Southern-style dish featuring tender okra and ripe tomatoes, enhanced with basil and lemon, perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal or side dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, heat the margarine.
- Add chopped onion and cook until wilted.
- Stir in light brown sugar.
- Add tomatoes, lemon juice, salt, and dried basil. Bring to boiling point.
- Add okra to the mixture.
- Cover and boil gently until okra is tender.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, try adding minced garlic or bell peppers along with the onions. If small okra isn't available, you can substitute with sliced larger okra, but adjust the cooking time. To enhance the dish, consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or oregano. This recipe is also great with a splash of hot sauce for added heat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish warm with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with grilled fish or chicken, making it a versatile choice for any dinner. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Green (English) Pea Salad for a delightful contrast.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed to prevent sticking. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing salad option.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Tomatoes And Okra contains roughly 95 calories, with 3g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (29% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 464mg per serving (20% 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 fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes, fresh tomatoes work wonderfully in this recipe. Just make sure to peel and chop them before adding them to the pan. Fresh tomatoes will give a vibrant flavor and texture to the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for vegans?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the margarine with a vegan butter or olive oil to keep it plant-based. This dish is a great example of flavorful vegan recipes that highlight seasonal produce.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add spice, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the onions. This will give the dish an extra kick without overwhelming the other 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).