Okra with Tomatoes

Introduction

History

Okra with tomatoes is a popular dish in many cultures around the world, including Southern and Creole cuisine in the United States, as well as Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of okra and tomatoes creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

How to prepare

Variations

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When preparing okra with tomatoes, it is important to cook the okra properly to avoid a slimy texture. To do this, make sure to wash and dry the okra thoroughly before cooking. You can also try sautéing the okra in a hot pan before adding it to the tomatoes to help reduce the sliminess.

Serving Suggestions

Okra with tomatoes can be served as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with rice or quinoa. It pairs well with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious okra with tomatoes dish is to cook the okra until it is tender but not mushy. Be sure to stir the mixture gently to avoid breaking up the okra pieces.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have okra on hand, you can substitute it with green beans or snap peas. You can also use canned tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes for a quicker and easier version of this dish.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the okra and tomato mixture ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake it. This dish can also be frozen for up to 3 months for a quick and easy meal option.

Presentation Ideas

Serve okra with tomatoes in a colorful baking dish or individual ramekins for an elegant presentation. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Okra with tomatoes pairs well with a variety of proteins, including grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. It also goes well with grains like rice, quinoa, or couscous for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover okra with tomatoes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the dish in the oven or microwave until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of okra with tomatoes contains approximately 200 calories, making it a relatively low-calorie dish that is perfect for a healthy meal.

Carbohydrates

Okra with tomatoes is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is relatively low in fat, with each serving containing around 5 grams of fat. The butter used in the recipe adds a rich and creamy texture to the dish without adding too much fat.

Proteins

Okra with tomatoes is a good source of protein, with each serving containing approximately 6 grams of protein. This makes it a satisfying and filling dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or side dish.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate from the tomatoes and okra. These nutrients are important for overall health and well-being.

Alergens

This recipe contains dairy (butter and milk) and wheat (flour), so it may not be suitable for those with dairy or gluten allergies. Be sure to check for any allergens before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, okra with tomatoes is a nutritious and delicious dish that is low in carbs and calories, while also providing a good source of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Okra with tomatoes is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is perfect for any occasion. With a combination of tender okra, tangy tomatoes, and a creamy sauce, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I can still recall the sense of amazement I felt when I first saw this recipe for Okra with Tomatoes. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl learning how to cook from my own grandmother. She was a wonderful cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors, and this recipe was one of her favorites.

I remember the day she first showed me how to make it. We were in her cozy little kitchen, surrounded by the comforting smell of simmering spices and bubbling pots. She handed me a ripe tomato and a handful of fresh okra, telling me to slice them up and sauté them together in a little bit of olive oil.

As I followed her instructions, I watched in fascination as the okra released its sticky juices and the tomatoes began to soften and break down. She added a pinch of salt, a sprinkle of pepper, and a dash of cumin, stirring everything together until the flavors melded into a rich, savory sauce.

But the most magical part was yet to come. My grandmother reached into her spice cabinet and pulled out a small, unassuming jar of garam masala. She told me that this blend of aromatic spices was the secret ingredient that would elevate the dish from good to extraordinary.

As she sprinkled a generous amount of the garam masala over the okra and tomatoes, the kitchen filled with a warm, earthy aroma that made my mouth water. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish, but my grandmother insisted that we let it simmer for a little while longer to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, she ladled the okra and tomatoes into a serving bowl and handed me a spoon. I took my first bite, and my taste buds exploded with delight. The okra was tender and flavorful, the tomatoes were tangy and sweet, and the garam masala added a complex depth of flavor that I had never experienced before.

From that moment on, I was hooked. I begged my grandmother to teach me more recipes, and she happily obliged, passing on her culinary knowledge and expertise to me with patience and love. I learned how to make curries and chutneys, biryanis and pakoras, each dish more delicious and satisfying than the last.

But the Okra with Tomatoes remained my favorite. It became a staple in my own cooking repertoire, a dish that I would make for family gatherings, potlucks, and special occasions. Every time I served it, it never failed to impress, earning me compliments and requests for the recipe.

Over the years, I have shared my grandmother's recipe with friends and loved ones, passing on the tradition of making Okra with Tomatoes from one generation to the next. And though my grandmother is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in every bite of this humble yet delicious dish, a reminder of the love and joy that she brought to our lives through her cooking.

So the next time you find yourself with a surplus of okra and tomatoes, don't hesitate to try your hand at making this wonderful recipe. I promise you won't be disappointed. And who knows? Maybe one day, you'll be passing it down to your own grandchildren, just like I did.

Categories

| Bahamian Recipes | Bahamian Vegetarian | Okra Recipes | Okra Side Dish Recipes | Tomato Recipes |

Recipes with the same ingredients