Greek-style Okra

Greek-style Okra Recipe from Romania | Vegetarian Food

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 40 minutes | Cooking time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Greek-style Okra is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a summer meal. This recipe combines the fresh flavors of okra, tomatoes, and onions with a hint of vinegar and dill for a truly Mediterranean taste experience.

History

Okra has been a staple in Mediterranean cuisine for centuries, with recipes dating back to ancient Greece. This Greek-style okra recipe is a modern twist on a classic dish, combining traditional ingredients with contemporary cooking techniques.

Ingredients

1 lb / 500 g young okra
2 to 3 tbsp oil
5 to 6 tomatoes
1 onion
1 tbsp vinegar
0.5 tsp sugar
1 tsp mixed chopped parsley and dill
salt

How to prepare

Clean the okra by washing it and soaking it in a mixture of salt and vinegar for 30–40 minutes.
While the okra is soaking, finely chop the onion and sauté it in oil until it turns yellow.
Next, add the peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes to the pan, followed by the okra, vinegar, sugar, and salt. Gently mix everything together and let it simmer, covered, over low heat.
Once the dish is almost done, sprinkle in the chopped parsley and dill.
You can serve this dish warm, but it is even more delicious when chilled.

Variations

For a heartier dish, try adding cooked chickpeas or lentils to the okra mixture. You can also experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor to your liking.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

To prevent okra from becoming slimy when cooked, be sure to soak it in a mixture of salt and vinegar before adding it to the pan. This will help to remove any excess moisture and keep the okra crisp and tender.

Serving Suggestions

Greek-style Okra can be served as a side dish with grilled meats or fish, or enjoyed on its own as a light and refreshing meal.

Cooking Techniques

To ensure that the okra cooks evenly, be sure to cover the pan and simmer the dish over low heat. This will help to soften the okra without overcooking it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have fresh tomatoes on hand, you can use canned diced tomatoes instead. You can also substitute fresh dill for dried dill if necessary.

Make Ahead Tips

Greek-style Okra can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat the dish in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

To add a pop of color to your dish, garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a drizzle of olive oil before serving. You can also serve the okra in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Greek-style Okra pairs well with a variety of Mediterranean dishes, such as grilled lamb, tzatziki, and hummus. For a complete meal, serve with a side of pita bread or rice.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover Greek-style Okra can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave the dish until heated through, or warm it on the stovetop over low heat.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Greek-style Okra contains approximately 150 calories, making it a light and satisfying dish that won't weigh you down.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Greek-style Okra contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates, making it a healthy and filling side dish or main course option.

Fats

With just 2 to 3 tablespoons of oil used in the recipe, Greek-style Okra is a low-fat dish that is perfect for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.

Proteins

While okra itself is not a significant source of protein, this dish can be paired with a protein-rich main course such as grilled chicken or fish to create a balanced meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as potassium and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe is free of common allergens such as nuts, dairy, and gluten, making it suitable for those with food sensitivities or allergies.

Summary

Greek-style Okra is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for any meal.

Summary

Greek-style Okra is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light and refreshing meal. With its fresh ingredients and Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was drawn to it like a moth to a flame. It was a warm summer day and I was strolling through the local farmer's market, admiring all the beautiful fresh produce on display. As I passed by a stand selling okra, I couldn't help but stop and take a closer look.

The vendor, a kind elderly woman with a twinkle in her eye, noticed my interest and struck up a conversation with me. She told me that okra was a staple in Greek cooking and that she had a delicious recipe to share with me. Intrigued, I eagerly accepted her offer and she proceeded to write down the ingredients and instructions for Greek-style okra on a small scrap of paper.

I thanked her profusely and made my way home, eager to try out this new recipe. As I gathered the ingredients and followed the instructions, I found myself lost in the process, the aromas filling my kitchen with a tantalizing scent. I was transported back to a time when I was a young girl, learning to cook alongside my own grandmother in her cozy kitchen.

My grandmother was a remarkable cook, with a talent for creating mouthwatering dishes that always seemed to bring our family together. She had a way of infusing every meal with love and care, making even the simplest of dishes taste extraordinary. I remember watching her with wide-eyed wonder as she effortlessly whipped up one delicious meal after another.

One of my fondest memories with my grandmother was the day she taught me how to make her famous Greek-style okra. We spent hours in the kitchen, chopping vegetables, stirring pots, and laughing together. She shared with me the secret to making the okra tender and flavorful, and I listened intently, soaking up every word.

As we sat down to enjoy our meal, I marveled at how something as simple as okra could be transformed into such a delectable dish. The flavors melded together perfectly, the okra melting in my mouth with each bite. It was a revelation, a culinary experience that I would never forget.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my grandmother's recipe for Greek-style okra, adding my own twist here and there. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about its delicious taste. Each time I make it, I am reminded of my grandmother and the love she poured into every dish she made.

As I grow older, I realize the power of food to bring people together, to create memories that last a lifetime. Cooking has become a way for me to connect with my past, to honor the traditions of my ancestors, and to pass down the recipes that have been handed down through generations.

So, the next time you find yourself at a farmer's market, eyeing a basket of fresh okra, remember this story. Remember the kindness of a stranger who shared a recipe with a stranger, and the joy of cooking a dish that brings people together. And most importantly, remember the love that goes into every meal you make.