Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Delight
This Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Delight is a cherished family recipe passed down from my grandmother. It combines the earthy flavors of tender okra, zesty tomatoes, and crispy bacon to create a comforting dish that brings nostalgia with every bite. Perfectly seasoned and slow-cooked, this dish is an excellent accompaniment to smothered steak and creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice. Whether you're serving it at a family gathering or enjoying a quiet dinner, this dish embodies the warmth and richness of Southern cooking.
8
Servings
160
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
bacon
8 slices (cooked until crispy and crumbled)
onion
1 large (chopped)
frozen cut okra
2 (16 ounce) bags (or 2 lb. fresh okra, sliced into 1/2 inch pieces)
diced tomatoes
2 (14 ounce) cans (undrained)
salt
to taste (n/a)
pepper
to taste (n/a)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet that can be covered, fry the bacon slices over medium heat until they are crispy. Once cooked, remove the bacon from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain excess grease. Reserve the bacon drippings in the skillet.
2
In the same skillet with the reserved bacon drippings, add the chopped onion. Sauté over medium heat until the onions are softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3
Add the frozen or fresh sliced okra and undrained diced tomatoes to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, taking care not to break up the okra too much.
4
Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the mixture simmer for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking but be gentle to keep the okra from falling apart.
5
After an hour, the okra should be tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For serving, crumble the crispy bacon over the top to maintain its texture and enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
11g
Fat
13g
Carbs
4g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Southern Okra and Tomato Delight?
It is a traditional Southern side dish combining tender okra, zesty diced tomatoes, and crispy bacon, slow-simmered to create a comforting and nostalgic flavor profile.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include bacon slices, a large onion, frozen or fresh okra, and canned diced tomatoes, seasoned with salt and pepper.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
Can I use fresh okra instead of frozen?
Yes, you can substitute the frozen okra with 2 pounds of fresh okra sliced into 1/2 inch pieces.
How long does the okra and tomato mixture need to simmer?
The dish should be covered and simmered over low heat for approximately 1 hour.
Should I drain the canned tomatoes before adding them?
No, you should use the diced tomatoes undrained as the liquid helps in the slow-cooking process.
What is the calorie count for one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 160 calories.
How is the bacon prepared for this dish?
The bacon is fried until crispy, removed to drain, and then crumbled over the finished dish to maintain its texture.
What role does the bacon grease play in the recipe?
The reserved bacon drippings are used to sauté the onions, adding a rich, smoky flavor to the base of the dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian-friendly?
As written with bacon, it is not vegetarian. However, it can be made vegetarian-friendly by omitting the bacon and using olive oil or butter to sauté the onions.
What side dishes pair well with Southern Okra and Tomatoes?
It pairs excellently with smothered steak, creamy mashed potatoes, or fluffy white rice.
How do I prevent the okra from falling apart during cooking?
To keep the okra intact, stir the mixture gently and only occasionally while it simmers.
What type of onion is recommended?
The recipe calls for one large onion, chopped. A yellow or white onion works best for a sweet, translucent finish.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 11 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving contains 13 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this dish considered a main course?
No, it is primarily served as a savory side dish (sidedish).
Can I add extra seasoning to this recipe?
Yes, while the recipe suggests salt and pepper to taste, you can add Southern spices or garlic if desired.
What is the best type of pan to use?
A large, heavy-bottomed skillet that comes with a lid is ideal for even heat distribution during the long simmer.
How long should I sauté the onions?
Sauté the onions over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes until they are softened and translucent.
Why is the bacon added at the end?
Crumbling the bacon over the top just before serving ensures it stays crispy and provides a texture contrast to the tender okra.
Does this dish contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 4 grams of protein.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, the flavors often deepen overnight. Just store it in the fridge and reheat gently, adding the crispy bacon last.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is a straightforward one-skillet dish that relies on slow-cooking rather than complex techniques.
What texture should the okra have?
After an hour of simmering, the okra should be tender but not completely mushy.
How much okra is required?
You will need two 16-ounce bags of frozen cut okra or 2 pounds of fresh okra.
How much tomato is needed?
The recipe requires two 14-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
Is this a spicy dish?
The base recipe is savory and mild. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer a spicy kick.
What is the cultural origin of this recipe?
This is a classic Southern American family recipe, often associated with soul food and home-style comfort cooking.
Can I use turkey bacon instead of pork bacon?
Yes, though you may need to add a little oil to the pan since turkey bacon produces less fat for sautéing the onions.
Should the skillet be covered during the simmer?
Yes, covering the skillet is essential to trap moisture and ensure the okra cooks through properly.