A timeless Southern comfort dish made with fresh okra, juicy tomatoes, onions, and simple seasonings. This hearty side dish is packed with flavor and pairs perfectly with fried chicken, cornbread, barbecue, or grilled meats.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound (450g) fresh okra, sliced into ½-inch rounds
2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 cups fresh diced tomatoes (or two 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes)
1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional, for a richer flavor)
½ cup chicken broth or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance the acidity)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Wash the okra and slice it into ½-inch pieces. Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop the tomatoes if using fresh.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Tomatoes
Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chicken broth, thyme, paprika, salt, pepper, cayenne, sugar, and Worcestershire sauce.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to blend.
Step 4: Add the Okra
Stir the sliced okra into the tomato mixture.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened.
If the mixture becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
Serve warm with cornbread, rice, biscuits, or your favorite Southern main dish.
Optional Add-Ins
Crumbled cooked bacon
Sliced smoked sausage
Diced ham
Shrimp (add during the last 5 minutes)
Red pepper flakes for extra heat
Serving Suggestions
This Southern favorite pairs wonderfully with:
