Okra with Tomatoes and Onions

Okra with Tomatoes and Onions Recipe - Vegetarian Food from Saudi Arabia

Region / culture: Saudi Arabia | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Okra with Tomatoes and Onions is a delicious and nutritious dish that is popular in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines. This recipe combines the earthy flavor of okra with the sweetness of tomatoes and the pungent taste of onions to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

History

Okra with Tomatoes and Onions has been a staple dish in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines for centuries. Okra, also known as lady's fingers, is a versatile vegetable that is commonly used in stews, soups, and curries. The combination of okra, tomatoes, and onions creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and delicious.

Ingredients

2 lb (907 g) fresh young okra
0.75 lb (340 g) onion, sliced thickly
6 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, halved
1 lb (454 g) tomatoes, skinned and sliced
salt and black pepper
1 lemon (juice only)

How to prepare

Wash the okra.
Cut off any hard stems and thoroughly dry the okra.
Heat oil in a large saucepan and fry the onions with the halved garlic cloves until they become slightly soft, transparent, and golden.
Add the okra and continue to fry until it becomes slightly softened.
Add the sliced tomatoes and sauté for a few minutes longer.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover with water, bring to a boil, and simmer until the okra is very tender, usually about 1 hour.
Squeeze in the lemon juice and cook for an additional 15 minutes.
(If using canned okra, the cooking time will be much shorter.)
Serve hot or cold.
If serving cold, allow the dish to cool in the saucepan before transferring it to a serving dish.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or eggplant for extra flavor and texture.
Use canned tomatoes instead of fresh for a quicker cooking time.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to wash the okra thoroughly and dry it well before cooking to remove any dirt or residue.

- Cut off any hard stems from the okra before cooking to ensure a tender texture.

- Sauté the onions and garlic until they are slightly softened and golden to enhance their flavor.

- Simmer the dish slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the okra to become tender.

- Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright and tangy finish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Okra with Tomatoes and Onions as a side dish with grilled chicken or fish, or as a main course with rice or bread. Garnish with fresh herbs such as parsley or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Sauté the onions and garlic until golden before adding the okra and tomatoes.

- Simmer the dish slowly to allow the flavors to develop and the okra to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use vegetable oil or ghee instead of olive oil.

- Substitute canned okra for fresh if fresh okra is not available.

Make Ahead Tips

Okra with Tomatoes and Onions can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Okra with Tomatoes and Onions in a decorative serving dish garnished with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Okra with Tomatoes and Onions with a crisp white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a perfect summer meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

- Approximately 200 calories per serving

Carbohydrates

- Okra: 7g per 1 cup

- Onion: 10g per 1 cup

- Tomatoes: 7g per 1 cup

Fats

- Olive oil: 14g per 1 tbsp

Proteins

- Okra: 2g per 1 cup

- Onion: 1g per 1 cup

- Tomatoes: 1g per 1 cup

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate.

- Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and potassium.

- Onions contain vitamin C, vitamin B6, and manganese.

Alergens

None

Summary

Okra with Tomatoes and Onions is a nutritious dish that is low in calories and high in vitamins and minerals. It is a good source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients that support overall health and well-being.

Summary

Okra with Tomatoes and Onions is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is easy to make and perfect for a healthy meal. With a harmonious blend of flavors and a satisfying texture, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy it hot or cold, as a side dish or a main course, for a delicious and wholesome meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day and I was visiting my dear friend Martha, who always had a knack for finding the most delicious and unique recipes. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was greeted by the most tantalizing aroma of okra, tomatoes, and onions cooking together in a pot.

Martha greeted me with a warm smile and a hug, and then she proceeded to tell me all about this magical dish she was making. She explained that it was a traditional Southern recipe that she had learned from her own grandmother many years ago. She said that the secret to making it perfectly was to cook the vegetables low and slow, allowing them to caramelize and develop their flavors fully.

As I watched Martha work her magic in the kitchen, I couldn't help but think about my own grandmother and the countless recipes she had passed down to me over the years. My grandmother was a master in the kitchen, and I had learned so much from her about the art of cooking. I knew that I had to learn how to make this okra dish for myself, so I asked Martha if she would be willing to teach me her grandmother's recipe.

Martha was more than happy to share her knowledge with me, and she guided me through each step of the cooking process with patience and grace. We started by slicing the okra into thin rounds and chopping the onions and tomatoes finely. Then we heated some oil in a large skillet and added the vegetables, along with a generous amount of salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to help caramelize the onions.

As the okra, tomatoes, and onions cooked together, the kitchen was filled with the most amazing aroma. I could hardly wait to taste the finished dish, but Martha insisted that we let it simmer for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Finally, the time came to dig in. Martha served the okra with tomatoes and onions over a bed of fluffy white rice, and we both took our first bite eagerly. The flavors exploded in my mouth – the sweetness of the caramelized onions, the tanginess of the tomatoes, and the earthiness of the okra all came together in perfect harmony. It was like nothing I had ever tasted before, and I knew that this dish would become a staple in my own kitchen.

As I savored each bite, I couldn't help but think about all the wonderful memories I had of cooking with my grandmother. She had taught me so much about the importance of using fresh, seasonal ingredients and taking the time to cook with love and care. I knew that she would have been proud to see me mastering this new recipe, and I felt her presence with me in the kitchen that day.

From that moment on, Okra with Tomatoes and Onions became a regular feature on my family's dinner table. I made it for special occasions, for weeknight dinners, and whenever I wanted to feel close to my grandmother again. Each time I cooked it, I thought of Martha and her grandmother, and I felt grateful for the friendships and memories that had brought me to this moment.

As I sit here now, reflecting on that day in Martha's kitchen, I am filled with a deep sense of gratitude for the recipes and traditions that have been passed down to me over the years. Cooking has always been a way for me to connect with my loved ones, both past and present, and I am thankful for the joy and nourishment it has brought to my life. And so, as I prepare to make another batch of Okra with Tomatoes and Onions for my family tonight, I do so with a heart full of love and gratitude for the culinary journey that has brought me to this moment.