The hot Texas weather brings along our favorite country fairs, porch-swingin' evenings, and gardens exploding with summer vegetables.
Use 'em up in this easy okra and tomatoes recipe, a classic Southern side dish perfectly packed with creole flavor!
Table of Contents
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🗝️ Key takeaways
- Southern okra and tomatoes is my family's absolute favorite way to enjoy veggies during the summer months.
- This easy recipe makes a great quick lunch and is the perfect side dish for dinner—it goes with any main meal!
- You'll learn my easy way to peel fresh tomatoes and a quick hack to avoid a slimy texture when cooking okra.
The natural flavors of sweet, juicy tomatoes pair perfectly with fresh okra, and a few simple spices create a delicious Southern side you'll crave all summer long!
If you're looking to use up all that fresh farmer's market produce, this okra and tomatoes recipe is simply the best way to do it.
🧾 Ingredients
This is an overview of the ingredients. You'll find the full measurements and instructions in the green recipe card (printable) at the bottom of the page.
📖 Variations
- Make this classic Southern dish any time of year by simply swapping the fresh tomatoes with canned diced tomatoes.
- Instead of butter, you can use bacon fat—Mom always had bacon grease by her stove!
- On that note, feel free to stir in some crispy bacon pieces when serving for a meatier dish.
- Some people also like to add celery and bell pepper to complete what is called the "Holy Trinity" of Southern classics. It's also a good way to sneak in/use up more veggies.
- You can amp up the spice by adding a bit of cayenne pepper.
🔪 Instructions
This is an overview of the instructions. Full instructions are in the green recipe card at the bottom of the page. Click on the image to see it full size.
Saute the chopped onions and garlic in a large skillet.
Peel and dice the tomatoes. Add to the onion/garlic mixture.
Wash okra, remove the caps, and slice. Add it to the tomatoes.
Simmer the okra and tomato mixture. Taste and season.
🤫 Cook's secrets -
Hint: Peeling your tomatoes isn't tricky as long as you know what you're doing. Learn how to peel tomatoes in this post—I included the different methods I use so you have options!
🍴 Equipment
- Chef's knife and cutting board
- Large pot or skillet
🎥 Video: How to Peel Tomatoes
Hey y'all! Have trouble peeling tomatoes? It's always great to have a visual guide, right?
🥫 How to store leftovers
Southern okra and tomatoes will keep for about four days in the fridge. Let it cool, then store it in an airtight container.
Reheat leftover stewed okra over low to medium heat on the stove just 'til it's warmed through. You can also pop it in the microwave for about thirty seconds but don't overheat it.
You can freeze okra and tomatoes in freezer bags for up to three months, but I'll warn ya now—the texture of the veggies is mushier after thawing. I recommend eating this recipe fresh for the best results.
Marye's Tip
The acidity of the tomatoes naturally prevents slimy okra. However, if you taste-test and detect a bit of slime, stir in a teaspoon or so of white vinegar, and that'll get rid of it!
💭 Things to know
- When shopping, look for smaller pods of okra that are dark green. Try to avoid any that have spots or discoloration.
- The tops of the okra pods are called the caps, and they have a woody texture. Slice these off and toss 'em in your compost bin.
- Taste test before adding the seasoning so you can adjust the sugar and creole seasoning to your liking. Depending on the flavor of your tomatoes, you may not need all the sugar.
- Southern okra and tomatoes is a great recipe for using up both fresh okra and tomatoes. If you don't have access to fresh, you could use frozen okra from the grocery store.
👩🍳 FAQs
Have other questions? Ask me in the comments!
That comes down to your recipe! Acid is key to eliminating a slimy texture. Lemon juice works, apple cider vinegar will do the trick, and—in this recipe—the acidity of the tomatoes is the perfect solution!
Creole seasoning is slightly more herbal than Cajun, but you do you! Both are fine in this Southern recipe.
I like to pile it over a scoop of white rice or split buttermilk biscuits and eat it for lunch. It's also good as a side for a meaty dinner, like chicken or shrimp.
📚 Related recipes
- Making a big batch of Stewed Tomatoes is a great way to enjoy garden produce later in the year—just freeze or can 'em!
- Refrigerator Pickled Okra is crisp and zingy. Best of all, it's super easy, and you don't have to deal with any fussy canning.
- This Southern Scalloped Tomatoes dish has tons of flavor and a crisp toast topping. Best of all—it's done in under a half hour!
🍽️ Repurpose leftovers
Make quick okra gumbo to give your leftovers new life! This classic Southern dish can be made with whatever pantry staples you have.
Add the leftover okra and tomatoes to a large pot. Toss in some more canned tomatoes or some chicken broth as your liquid base, then add a diced green pepper and a handful or two of sliced mushrooms.
Finally, stir in some cooked, sliced sausage or grilled Creole shrimp and rice and simmer it all together until warm and thickened. Season to taste with Creole seasoning.
It's not quite a traditional gumbo, but it hits the spot when you're trying to plan out an easy dinner!
📞 The last word
Y'all, I love this dish as a quick, light dinner all summer long. Fresh sun-ripened tomatoes, fresh crisp okra - you just can't beat it with a big ole stick.
If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
If you love this recipe please comment below and give it 5 stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
📖 Recipe
Southern Okra and Tomatoes
Print Pin Recipe Save Recipe Rate RecipeIngredients
- 5 fresh, ripe tomatoes, or 3 cups canned diced tomatoes
- 2 cups fresh okra, washed, caps removed, and sliced
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 ½ teaspoons creole seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Peel and dice fresh tomatoes. Set aside.
- Melt butter in a heavy skillet.
- Add the onion and cook until soft - about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and saute for about 1 minute.
- Add the tomatoes and okra and bring to a boil.
- Once it begins to boil reduce the heat and simmer uncovered about 45 minutes, or until it thickens.
- Stir once in a while to ensure you have enough liquid and nothing is sticking.
- Taste and add sugar and creole seasoning to taste.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
This recipe has been tested several times. If you choose to use other ingredients, or change the technique in some way, the results may not be the same.
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