THM-S
Since I know you’re all anxiously awaiting the next OKRA recipe; here’s my contribution in the form of Creole Style Stewed Okra And Tomatoes. I’m just sorry I didn’t weigh in on this one earlier since I’ve been a lifelong okra fan; even back when okra wasn’t cool :).
I don’t know about the rest of the country, but here in East Texas just an hour West of Louisiana, if you go into a diner with a steam table or family style eating you will typically find some version of this Creole Style Stewed Okra and Tomatoes. Although it is a favorite of mine I have really never made it a lot in the past, because it is just so accessible around here. I know that isn’t the case everywhere so here is the basic version of this dish and it is as good a recipe as I have eaten in any restaurant.
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I served this to my a couple of my toughest okra critics and got better reviews than I expected, what with their negative bias against my beloved okra. From my husband “You know I’m not a fan of okra, but that was good!” Then from my daughter I got, “That was the least slimy okra I’ve ever eaten.” – That’s because it isn’t at all slimy in this dish! All okra comments from the peanut gallery aside this dish is a really tasty Creole side. In case you’re unfamiliar with it, Creole is usually a milder version of Cajun cooking spice wise, but just as flavorful.
*A note on the carbs in this dish. 1) Tomatoes are considered fp in moderation but with 1 cup having 7.06 grams of carbs the serving size does need to be considered. This dish contains 2 total cups of tomatoes which is 14.12 plus one half of a medium onion contains 4 net cabs. 14.12 total plus 4 net carbs gives you a total of 18.12 carbs. As a side dish a 1 cup serving is plenty so you will have 4.53 carbs in one serving of this recipe.
*The oil in this dish could easily be left out and the onion and pepper could be parboiled in broth making this an FP dish. I chose to post it as an S and retain the more authentic flavor of the dish, plus I gotta have bacon with this dish so S it is!
Creole Style Stewed Okra And Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, coarsely chopped (I used poblano, but any mild chili pepper will do)
- *3 tablespoons refined (no flavor) coconut oil, I used Lou Ana's
- 6 ounces (or 1/2 of a 12 ounce bag) frozen chopped okra
- (can also use 2 cups fresh if you have it)
- 1 16 ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne (can add more if you like it spicier)
- Extra salt and pepper to serve with the dish.
- Optional- fried bacon to crumble on top of the dish when done.
- * (traditionally bacon grease or butter is used instead of refined coconut oil, but I tried the coconut oil and it worked)
Instructions
- Heat the oil or butter in a large heavy frying pan (do not use cast iron since tomatoes will be included and they react badly with cast iron).
- Add the green peppers and onions and saute for about 2 minutes.
- Add the frozen or fresh okra, tomatoes and spices and stir well.
- Cover and cook over low heat for about 1 hour. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and remove when the veggies are tender/crisp and not falling apart.
- Serves 4 as a side dish at 1 cup per serving.
Notes
- *A note on the carbs in this dish.
- 1) Tomatoes are considered fp in moderation, but with 1 cup having 7.06 grams of carbs the serving size does need to be considered. This dish contains 2 total cups of tomatoes plus it has half of a medium onion which contains 4 net cabs. This comes to 14.12 total for the tomatoes plus 4 net carbs gives you a total of 18.12 carbs. As a side dish a 1 cup serving is plenty so you will have 4.53 carbs in one serving of this recipe.
- *The oil in this dish could easily be left out and the onion and pepper could be parboiled in broth making this an FP dish. I chose to post it as an S and retain the more authentic flavor of the dish, plus I gotta have bacon with this dish so S it is!
- *Serve over a small serving of rice for a crossover or if you have company, it is a very light S side unless you add regular bacon or turkey bacon to the dish.
This dish is linked up over at Meal Plan Mondays with A Southern Plate.
Thank you for sharing on the Wonderful Wednesday Link up! I will be featuring you this week as one of my favorite recipes. Be sure to check it out Wednesday!
Thanks Renee! 🙂