15 Southern Style Okra And Tomatoes Recipe Savor The Mouthwatering Goodness!
Published on: Mar 21, 2024
Southern style okra and tomatoes is a classic dish that has been passed down through generations in the American South. With its combination of tangy tomatoes and tender okra, this dish is a staple in many Southern kitchens. Not only is it incredibly flavorful, but it also provides a healthy dose of nutrients. In this article, we will explore the history of this beloved dish and share a traditional Southern style okra and tomatoes recipe for you to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Medium Onion, Chopped Celery, Diced Tomatoes
If you're looking for a delicious and hearty Southern dish, look no further than stewed okra and tomatoes. This classic recipe combines tender okra with juicy, ripe tomatoes and a blend of savory herbs and spices. Whether you're a seasoned pro in the kitchen or a beginner cook, this dish is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you wanting more.
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Stewed Okra
Main Ingredients: Bacon, Tasso, Yellow Onions, Garlic, Cloves, Okra
Stewed okra is a staple in Southern cuisine. It's a simple dish that highlights the natural flavors of the okra and complements it with a rich tomato base. The key to perfecting this dish is to cook the okra until it's tender and not slimy. This can be achieved by adding a splash of apple cider vinegar to the cooking process.
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Stewed Okra with Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Okra, Bacon, Medium Sweet Onion, Garlic, Crushed
For a more flavorful version of stewed okra, try adding tomatoes to the mix. The acidity from the tomatoes balances out the earthiness of the okra and adds a burst of freshness to the dish. To take it up a notch, add some crumbled bacon for a smoky and savory twist.
Another classic Southern dish, shrimp gumbo is a flavorful stew made with a variety of ingredients such as shrimp, okra, tomatoes, and spices. This dish is a perfect blend of Cajun and Creole influences and is a must-try for seafood lovers. Serve it over a bed of fluffy white rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
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Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Celery, White Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Bell
Jambalaya is a one-pot wonder that combines rice, meats, and vegetables in a flavorful broth. This dish originated in New Orleans and has become a staple in Southern cuisine. The key to a perfect jambalaya is to layer the flavors by cooking each ingredient separately before combining them all together. This results in a dish that is bursting with spicy and savory flavors.
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Southern Vegan Grits
Main Ingredients: Grits, Vegetable Broth, Vegetable Oil, Okra, Onion, Ear
For a vegan twist on a classic Southern dish, try making grits with a plant-based milk and vegetable broth instead of dairy. Top it off with some sautéed spinach, mushrooms, and roasted tomatoes for a flavorful and nutritious meal. This dish is perfect for those looking for a healthier alternative to traditional grits.
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Southern Succotash Stew
Main Ingredients: Onion, Garlic, Baby Lima Beans, Vegetables, Okra, Green
Southern succotash stew is a comforting and hearty dish that combines lima beans, corn, and okra in a savory broth. It's a perfect dish for cooler weather and can be made with smoked sausage or bacon for added flavor. Serve it with some crusty french bread for a complete and satisfying meal.
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An Unexpected Southern Cobb Salad
Main Ingredients: Romaine Lettuce, Tomatoes, Cucumber, Okra, Bacon, Eggs
If you're in the mood for a lighter but still satisfying meal, try making a Southern twist on the classic Cobb salad. Instead of the traditional ingredients, use some grilled chicken, okra, bacon, cherry tomatoes, and avocado to create a unique and flavorful salad. Top it off with a honey mustard dressing for a touch of sweetness.
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RECIPE for SOUTHERN FARM STAND STEW with OKRA,...
Main Ingredients: Bacon Grease, Onion, Yellow Bell Pepper, Salt, Pepper
This Southern farm stand stew is a tribute to the abundance of fresh produce found at local farmers' markets in the South. This dish combines okra, tomatoes, bell peppers, and corn in a flavorful broth seasoned with smoked paprika and thyme. Serve it over some cooked quinoa for a nutritious and delicious meal.
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Cajun Stewed Black Eyed Peas and Greens
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Coconut Oil, Red Onion, Green
For a hearty and flavorful dish, try making Cajun stewed black eyed peas and greens. This dish combines black eyed peas, collard greens, and smoked sausage in a savory broth seasoned with Cajun spices. Serve it with some cornbread for a complete Southern meal.
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Creole Gumbo
Main Ingredients: Onions, Celery, Red Bell Peppers, Green Bell Peppers
Creole gumbo is a rich and flavorful stew that combines a variety of ingredients such as seafood, okra, tomatoes, and andouille sausage. This dish is a staple in Louisiana and is often served with a side of rice or french bread. The key to a perfect gumbo is to cook it low and slow to develop the flavors.
Southern succotash is a simple and delicious side dish that pairs well with any Southern meal. It's made with lima beans, corn, and bacon in a savory and buttery sauce. The key to a perfect succotash is to use fresh and seasonal vegetables for the best flavor.
Southern fried okra is a classic Southern dish that is loved by many. This dish is made by coating sliced okra in a seasoned cornmeal mixture and frying it until it's crispy and golden brown. Serve it as a side dish or snack with a side of spicy ranch dressing for dipping.
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Harissa Stewed Black-Eyed Peas with Okra and Collard...
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Coconut Oil, White Onion, Garlic
This dish is a fusion of Southern and North African flavors. It combines black-eyed peas, okra, and collard greens in a spiced broth flavored with harissa paste. Serve it over some cooked quinoa for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
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Okra Corn & Tomato Gumbo - A Southern Classic Done...
Main Ingredients: Vegan Butter, Sweet Onion, Okra, Fresh Corn, Roma
This version of gumbo is a lighter and healthier take on the classic Southern dish. It's made with okra, corn, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth seasoned with Cajun spices. Instead of using traditional meats, this recipe calls for chicken breast for a leaner option.
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Vegetable Jambalaya
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sweet Onion, Celery, Medium
For a vegetarian twist on jambalaya, try making a vegetable version. This dish is made with a variety of vegetables such as bell peppers, okra, zucchini, and tomatoes in a flavorful broth seasoned with Cajun spices. Serve it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
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Roasted Summer Vegetables With Southern Romesco
Main Ingredients: Black Eyed Peas, Bay Leaf, Okra Pods, Vidalia Onion
This dish is a celebration of summer vegetables. It combines zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, and okra with a flavorful and spicy romesco sauce. This dish is perfect for a summer barbecue or as a side dish for any Southern meal.
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One More Southern Dish ~ Okra and Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Okra, Grape Tomatoes, Bacon, Garlic Cloves, Chopped
If you can't get enough of the classic combination of okra and tomatoes, try making this simple dish. It's made with tender okra and juicy tomatoes in a flavorful and slightly spicy sauce. Serve it over a bed of grits for a traditional Southern meal.
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Slow Cooker Okra & Tomatoes with Chicken
Main Ingredients: Frozen Okra, Diced Tomatoes, Chicken Thighs, Small
This dish is a perfect option for those busy weeknights when you want a flavorful and nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. This slow cooker recipe combines okra, tomatoes, and chicken thighs in a savory broth seasoned with Cajun spices. Serve it over some cooked rice for a complete meal.
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Spicy Stewed Okra and Tomatoes
Main Ingredients: Okra, Onion, Jalapeno, Oil, Salt, Black Pepper, Ground
For those who love a little heat in their dishes, try making this spicy version of stewed okra and tomatoes. It's made with okra, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers in a savory and slightly spicy sauce. This dish is perfect for those who like to kick up the heat in their meals.
The History of Southern Style Okra and Tomatoes
Origins of the Dish
The origins of Southern style okra and tomatoes can be traced back to the African diaspora and the introduction of okra to the American South. Okra, a nutritious vegetable with a slimy texture, was brought to the United States by enslaved Africans and quickly became a popular ingredient in Southern cuisine. Tomatoes, on the other hand, were introduced to the South by European settlers in the 16th century.
Evolution of the Recipe
Over time, the combination of okra and tomatoes became a staple in Southern cooking. The dish evolved from a simple stew to a more complex and flavorful recipe as different ingredients and seasonings were added. Today, there are countless variations of this dish, each with its own unique twist.
The Recipe for Southern Style Okra and Tomatoes
Now that we've explored the history of this dish, it's time to learn how to make it. The following is a traditional Southern style okra and tomatoes recipe that is sure to please your taste buds.
Ingredients:
1 lb fresh okra, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
1 lb fresh tomatoes, diced
1 onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp smoked paprika
1/4 cup water
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tbsp butter
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the skillet with the bacon grease and cook until softened.
Add the okra to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Add the water, apple cider vinegar, and brown sugar to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 15 minutes.
Add the cooked bacon back to the skillet and stir to combine.
Add the butter to the skillet and stir until melted.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Southern style okra and tomatoes can be served as a side dish or as a main course. It pairs well with grilled meats, such as chicken or pork, and can also be served over rice for a heartier meal.
In Conclusion
Southern style okra and tomatoes is a delicious and nutritious dish with a rich history. By following this traditional recipe, you can experience a taste of the American South in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients and get cooking, and don't forget to share this dish with your family and friends. Enjoy!
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