| Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 25 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 155 | 10g | 1g | 16g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 6g | 4g | 3g | 0.4g |
One of the cornerstone recipes in my repertoire hails straight from the heart of Nebraska: Okra and Tomatoes. This dish takes a humble, Midwestern approach to food, focusing on basic ingredients and simple cooking methods to create a dish that’s both nutritious and uncompromising on taste. Just like the heartland, this recipe doesn’t need extravagance to stand out—it’s the authenticity that shines through. It’s a testament to my Nebraska upbringing, where we practiced farm-to-table freshness long before it was a trend.
Healthful heartland Cooking
This vegetable-based dish is no lightweight when it comes to health benefits. The stars of the show, okra and tomatoes, are superfoods in their own right. Okra is known for its high fiber content that aids digestion, as well as being a good source of Calcium and Potassium. Tomatoes boost the antioxidant lycopene, which is beneficial for heart health, in turn reflecting the comforting aura of hearty Midwestern meals. To top it off, the combination of olive oil and herbs adds a Mediterranean kick, combining well with the heartland approach of using fresh, local ingredients.
Culinary Combinations
The earthy flavors in Okra and Tomatoes make it incredibly versatile. It shares the stage confidently with dishes like corn casserole or beef stew. The rich tomato base cradles the okra beautifully, turning it into a hearty main that can stand tall on any dinner table. It also pairs well with a simple grilled cheese or slices of crusty Italian bread.
This is more than just a recipe for me; it’s a connection to my roots and pulses with the lifeblood of Nebraska cooking style. It reflects the simplicity of Midwestern life that I grew up in, a testament to the values I still hold dear. Each bite is a comforting trip down memory lane. Whether it’s the nutritious boost from the fresh vegetables or the comforting flavors, Okra and Tomatoes represent the very essence of why I love cooking and sharing food with those I love.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 pound of fresh okra, sliced
- 4 large tomatoes, diced
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1/2 cup of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 cup of water
Method
Step One
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté until they are translucent and fragrant.
Step Two
Add the sliced fresh okra to the skillet and continue to sauté it with the onions and garlic until it is lightly browned.
Step Three
Dice the large tomatoes and chop the small green bell pepper. Add these to the skillet with the okra, onions, and garlic.
Step Four
Stir in the teaspoon of salt, half teaspoon of pepper, and half teaspoon of dried thyme. Allow everything to simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors blend together.
Step Five
Chop the fresh parsley. Then, add it into the skillet with the other vegetables. Pour in a cup of water, then stir everything together.
Step Six
Reduce the heat to low and let everything simmer together, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. All of the vegetables should be soft and the flavors should be well blended.
Step Seven
Once everything has simmered together and the vegetables are thoroughly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Your Okra and Tomatoes dish is now ready to be served. Enjoy!
