Okra and Tomatoes

A classic southern dish of okra and tomatoes, perfect as a side or a main meal. Bring the fresh ingredients of your garden together to make this Southern delicious combination.

This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

Still wonderfully delicious if you’re using frozen okra or canned diced tomatoes. There is no special alteration to the recipe if you’re needing to swap it out.

Why you’ll love this Recipe

• Budget Friendly: If you’re lucky enough to have your own garden or visit your local farmers market, then this dish will truly be low-cost to free dish.
• Easy to make: Also an easy clean-up with it being a one skillet dish.
• Great flavor and texture: Bring another depth of flavor by sauteing your dish in bacon fat.

What are Okra and Tomatoes?

Okra and tomatoes is a classic southern dish, often served as a side dish or overtop rice or mashed potatoes. Add smoked sausage to round out this recipe into a main dish.

Don’t be afraid to eat okra. Yes, it can become slimy if overcooked. This recipe’s cooking time is just right to avoid slimy okra.

According to Healthline, Okra is a flowering plant known for its edible seed pods. It is cultivated in locations like Africa and South Asia due to it being warm and tropical. 

This vegetable or fruit as it is not widely known is used in a lot of Southern dishes like gumbo, succotash, and soups.

Ingredients

Full of many fresh garden veggies. When in season, shop your local farmer’s market for the freshest version of this dish.

• Bacon fat: Bacon drippings help to add another layer of flavor. For a Vegan option use Olive Oil.
• Okra Sliced: Fresh okra from the garden or your local market. If you’re using frozen okra, thawing isn’t necessary.
• Chopped tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes from your garden or local market. When tomatoes are not in season canned diced tomatoes will work just as well.
• Green onion: Adds a fresh and subtle onion flavor.
• Green pepper: Another garden favorite, adds freshness and crunch.
• Seasonings: I use a combination of parsley flakes, garlic powder, and granulated sugar. And of course, salt and pepper to taste.

How to make Okra and Tomatoes

1. In a large skillet, saute okra in bacon fat for 5 minutes or until the inside is tender and the exterior is crisp.  Stir in the remaining ingredients.

2. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3. Taste then season if necessary and serve immediately.

How to store leftovers

Store any leftover okra and tomatoes that you have in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This dish will keep for 3-4 days.

Reheating: Reheat until heated through in a microwave-safe dish, or warm on the stovetop until warm.

What to serve with them

This dish is wonderful as a light stand-alone meal. You may enjoy this dish over some cooked rice or pair it with scrambled eggs for breakfast.

Here are some other GBC options to serve with Okra and Tomatoes.

• Southern Cornbread Recipe
• Southern Baked Chicken
• Maple Peach Pork Chops

Use fresh versus frozen okra

When choosing fresh okra at the grocery store, always choose smaller pods.  They should be bright green. If you see black specks anywhere, then I would avoid them because they aren’t as fresh. 

Okra doesn’t have to be slimy y’all!!! There are a few precautions you can take to assure you are cooking your southern okra the best way possible.

One major precaution is to reduce the cutting. The more you cut it the more slime it produces.

Try to opt for whole slices of okra rather than finely chopped pieces the next time you get ready to prepare some.

If you’re unable to find fresh okra when it’s in season, using frozen okra is a perfectly viable option for this recipe. There is no need to thaw frozen okra before using, simply add it to the pan per the recipe’s instructions.

Expert Tips And FAQs

To help you make the best Okra and Tomatoes possible.

Tip: Try to avoid the larger okra pods because they can be tougher when cooked. Anything around 4 inches is too long. 

Tip: The acidity of the tomatoes will help to reduce any slime the okra produces. Adding a splash of lemon or lime juice will help do the same.

Tip: Turn up the spice with my Cajun Seasoning, a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of chili powder.

Is okra and tomatoes good for you?

Okras are a low-calorie fruit rich in vitamins C, B, C & folic acids. Tomatoes are plump, sweet, and juicy. These delicious fruits are full of antioxidants and lycopene, great for heart health. Easily make this dish Vegan by swapping out the bacon fat for olive oil.

More Delicious Recipes

• Fried Okra Recipe
• Succotash Recipe (What is Succotash?)
• Fried Green Tomatoes Recipe
• Southern Green Beans Recipe
• Southern Baked Beans
• Pickled Okra

*Did you make this recipe? Please give it a star rating and leave comments below!* Post a photo of how your version of the recipe came out on Instagram (using #grandbabycakes)!!