Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Bake
This Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Bake is a delightful fusion of fresh flavors and comforting textures. Combining tender okra, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic herbs, this casserole is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy weeknight dinner. Topped with a golden-brown cornbread stuffing and melted cheddar cheese, this dish embodies the heart and soul of Southern cooking, making it a sure crowd-pleaser. Serve it warm and watch it disappear!
8
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cornstarch
2 (tablespoons)
Whole Tomatoes, cut up
2 (16 ounce cans) (drained)
Onion
1 (medium, chopped)
Garlic Cloves
2 (minced)
Butter
1 (tablespoon)
Frozen Cut Okra
1 (10-ounce package)
Sugar
2 (teaspoons)
Dried Basil
2 (teaspoons)
Hot Pepper Sauce
1/2 (teaspoon)
Salt and Pepper
to taste (to season)
Butter
2 (tablespoons, cut up)
Cornbread Stuffing Mix
1 (cup)
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
3/4 (cup)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of tomato juice until smooth; set aside.
3
In a large saucepan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is tender and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
4
Stir in the undrained cut-up tomatoes and the frozen cut okra. Add the sugar, dried basil, hot pepper sauce, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well.
5
Carefully fold in the cornstarch mixture, stirring until the blend thickens and begins to bubble, which should take about 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
6
Transfer the vegetable mixture into a greased 2-quart rectangular baking dish. Dot the top with the additional 2 tablespoons of butter.
7
Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
8
After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the cornbread stuffing mix evenly over the top, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
9
Return the dish to the oven, uncovered, and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the stuffing is crispy and the cheese is golden brown.
10
Allow to cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Information
18.5g
Fat
47.5g
Carbs
11g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Bake?
It is a Southern-style casserole featuring okra, tomatoes, and herbs, topped with cornbread stuffing and melted cheddar cheese.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What kind of tomatoes are used in this bake?
The recipe calls for two 16-ounce cans of whole tomatoes, which should be cut up and drained.
Is frozen or fresh okra required?
The recipe specifically uses one 10-ounce package of frozen cut okra.
What provides the thickening agent for the sauce?
Cornstarch mixed with tomato juice is used to thicken the vegetable mixture.
How much protein is in one serving?
There are 11 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 18.5 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 47.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
What type of stuffing is used in this recipe?
One cup of cornbread stuffing mix is used to create the golden-brown topping.
How much butter is needed in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of butter is used: 1 for sautéing and 2 for dotting the top of the dish.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 2-quart rectangular baking dish is required.
How long does the casserole bake while covered?
The casserole is baked covered with foil for 20 minutes.
How long does it bake after adding the topping?
It bakes uncovered for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and stuffing is crispy.
What aromatics are used in the base?
One medium chopped onion and two minced garlic cloves are used.
Are there any spicy elements in this dish?
Yes, it includes 1/2 teaspoon of hot pepper sauce for a bit of zest.
What herb is used for seasoning?
Two teaspoons of dried basil are added to the vegetable mixture.
Does this recipe contain sugar?
Yes, it includes 2 teaspoons of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
How should the garlic be prepared?
The garlic should be finely minced.
How should the onion be prepared?
The medium onion should be chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe requires 13 distinct ingredients.
Should the tomatoes be drained?
The whole tomatoes should be drained, but save 2 tablespoons of the juice to mix with the cornstarch.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food and a Southern homestyle classic.
Can I use fresh basil instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for dried basil, you could use fresh, though the measurement would need adjustment.
When do I add the cornstarch mixture?
It is folded into the saucepan after the vegetables and spices have been combined.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
It features tender vegetables in a thick sauce with a crispy cornbread and melted cheese crust.
Is this recipe suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly crowd-pleaser.
What should I do before serving?
Allow the dish to cool slightly after removing it from the oven before serving.