Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a Southern classic that celebrates the simple yet flavorful combination of tender okra, sweet tomatoes, and savory seasonings. This dish is a perfect side for any meal, whether you’re serving it alongside fried chicken, grilled fish, or a bowl of rice. It’s rich, comforting, and filled with wholesome vegetables, making it a great way to highlight fresh produce. Whether you’re a fan of Southern cuisine or looking to try something new, this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes recipe will bring the taste of the South to your kitchen.
What Is Stewed Okra and Tomatoes?
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a simple, rustic dish where fresh or frozen okra is stewed with tomatoes, onions, and spices. Okra has a unique texture that thickens the stew slightly, creating a satisfying, flavorful side dish or even a main course when served with rice or cornbread. The combination of sweet, acidic tomatoes with the earthy, slightly grassy taste of okra results in a deeply comforting dish that’s traditionally popular in the Southern United States. It can be made vegetarian or with additions like bacon or sausage for extra heartiness.
Ingredients List for Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
This recipe uses fresh ingredients and common pantry staples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Okra: 1 pound, fresh or frozen, sliced into ½-inch rounds.
- Tomatoes: 3-4 large ripe tomatoes, diced, or 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes if fresh tomatoes aren’t available.
- Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced.
- Bell Pepper: 1 green or red bell pepper, chopped (optional for extra flavor and color).
- Olive Oil or Butter: 2 tablespoons, for sautéing.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ½ teaspoon, freshly ground.
- Sugar: 1 teaspoon, to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
- Cayenne Pepper or Hot Sauce: ¼ teaspoon (optional), for a bit of heat.
- Chicken Broth or Water: ½ cup, for simmering. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
- Fresh Herbs: 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme or parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried), for garnish and flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is its flexibility. You can adapt the recipe based on what you have on hand or personal preferences. Here are some options:
- Add Bacon or Sausage: For a richer, heartier version, sauté diced bacon or sausage at the beginning of the recipe and then proceed with the onions and garlic. The rendered fat adds extra flavor.
- Vegan Option: Use olive oil and vegetable broth instead of butter and chicken broth to keep the dish vegan.
- Use Canned Tomatoes: If fresh tomatoes aren’t available, canned diced tomatoes work perfectly well.
- Spice It Up: If you like a little heat, add extra cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
- Add Corn: For a twist, stir in some corn kernels (fresh or frozen) along with the okra to add a touch of sweetness and color to the dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now, let’s get into the details of how to make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes. This recipe is straightforward and only takes about 30 minutes to cook.
- Sauté the Onions, Garlic, and Bell Pepper:
- In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell pepper (if using), and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the Tomatoes:
- Stir in the diced fresh tomatoes or canned diced tomatoes, along with any juices. Season with salt, pepper, and sugar. The sugar helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the flavor.
- Let the tomatoes cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to break down and form a sauce.
- Add the Okra:
- Once the tomatoes have softened, add the sliced okra to the pan. If you’re using frozen okra, there’s no need to thaw it first—just add it straight into the mixture.
- Stir the okra into the tomatoes until everything is well combined.
- Simmer the Stew:
- Pour in the chicken broth or water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the pot, reduce the heat to low, and let the stew cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender. Stir occasionally to ensure nothing sticks to the bottom of the pan.
- If you like a thicker stew, remove the lid during the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
- Adjust Seasoning and Serve:
- Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or cayenne if desired. If the stew seems too acidic, you can add another pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
- Stir in fresh herbs like parsley or thyme right before serving for a burst of color and freshness.
How to Cook Stewed Okra and Tomatoes: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick breakdown of the process:
- Sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper in oil or butter.
- Add tomatoes and cook until they break down into a sauce.
- Add okra and stir into the tomato mixture.
- Simmer with broth for 15-20 minutes until the okra is tender.
- Season with herbs and spices, then serve hot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is easy, but here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Okra: Okra can become overly soft and slimy if cooked for too long. Keep an eye on the stew and remove it from the heat once the okra is tender but still has a bit of bite.
- Not Using Enough Liquid: Make sure there’s enough broth or water to create a stew-like consistency. If the dish becomes too dry, the tomatoes may stick to the pan and burn.
- Using High Heat: Cooking the stew over high heat can cause the tomatoes and okra to cook unevenly. Keep the heat low and allow the dish to simmer gently.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a versatile dish that pairs well with many Southern classics. Here are a few ways to serve and present this flavorful dish:
- How to Serve Stewed Okra and Tomatoes:
- Serve it as a side dish with fried chicken, grilled fish, or pork chops.
- For a lighter meal, enjoy it over steamed rice or grits with a drizzle of hot sauce.
- This dish also pairs well with cornbread or biscuits, perfect for sopping up the flavorful juices.
- Presentation Ideas for Stewed Okra and Tomatoes:
- Serve the stew in a shallow bowl with a garnish of freshly chopped parsley or thyme for a pop of color.
- For a family-style presentation, serve it in a cast-iron skillet or a rustic serving bowl, and place it in the center of the table for everyone to enjoy.
- For added Southern flair, serve with a side of fried okra or a few slices of ripe, fresh tomato on the plate.
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes Recipe Tips
- Keep It Fresh: If you can, use fresh okra and tomatoes when they’re in season. Fresh ingredients give the dish a vibrant flavor that frozen or canned alternatives can’t quite replicate.
- Prevent Slime: Okra has a reputation for becoming slimy when overcooked, but keeping the stew simmering at a lower heat and stirring gently can help reduce this. The acidity from the tomatoes also helps cut down on the sliminess.
- Make It Ahead: This stew gets even better as it sits. You can make it a day in advance and store it in the fridge for the flavors to meld. Just reheat it gently on the stove when ready to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use frozen okra?
- Yes, frozen okra works well in this recipe. No need to thaw it beforehand; just add it straight to the pan.
- Is stewed okra and tomatoes gluten-free?
- Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free broth or water.
- How do I prevent okra from becoming slimy?
- Cooking the okra over low heat and not stirring too much helps minimize the slime. The acidity from the tomatoes also helps reduce the slimy texture.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time?
- Absolutely! In fact, this dish tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- What else can I add to this stew?
- Feel free to add ingredients like corn, sausage, or even shrimp for a heartier meal. You can also stir in leafy greens like spinach or kale for added nutrition.
Conclusion
Stewed Okra and Tomatoes is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and packed with Southern charm. With tender okra, sweet tomatoes, and aromatic spices, this recipe makes a perfect side dish or main course. Whether you’re serving it alongside your favorite grilled meat or enjoying it as a light vegetarian meal, this dish is a great way to enjoy fresh vegetables in a comforting stew. Follow the recipe, avoid common mistakes, and customize it with your favorite seasonings for a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Ready to cook up some Southern flavor? Try this recipe today!
PrintStewed Okra And Tomatoes Recipe
This Stewed Okra and Tomatoes recipe brings together tender okra, fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a flavorful, simmered dish. A Southern favorite, it's perfect as a side or served over rice for a hearty meal. The simple ingredients come together in minutes for a healthy, vegetable-packed dish with rich, comforting flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh okra, sliced
- 4 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and garlic, sautéing until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to break down.
- Add sliced okra, broth, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer the mixture for 15-20 minutes until the okra is tender and the flavors have melded.
- Stir in sugar and apple cider vinegar, if desired, for added balance.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot, either on its own or over rice.
Notes
- Frozen okra can be used if fresh is not available.
- For a heartier dish, add sausage or bacon.
- Adjust seasonings and sweetness to taste, depending on the ripeness of the tomatoes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
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