This stewed okra tomatoes recipe is as classic as you can get for a summer dish here in the South using fresh okra. But don't worry, frozen okra saves the day in the winter months.

SOUTHERN STEWED OKRA AND TOMATOES

Southern Stewed fresh Okra, a humble but beloved Southern favorite, has spicy creole flavors for a mouthwatering side dish. This recipe calls for fresh or canned vegetables, so no rules. Use what is in the pantry or refrigerator.

Since I still had plenty of okra leftover from the last blog post, I decided to make my Mother's Creole Okra.

Her recipe starts off with bacon. How yummy can you get it? Then, it comes together with the flavors of onion and tomato, and she continues to layer on flavors depending on what she has on hand.

This recipe I added onion, bell pepper, celery, tomatoes, and minced garlic.

Growing up, this delicious dish often made center stage on our dinner table, serving it with rice or cornbread.

My favorite is cornbread because you cannot stop yourself from sopping up all those wonderful juices lingering on your plate.

Fresh okra is abundant right now in grocery stores and farmer's markets. I hope you make some Stewed Fresh Okra soon.

WHERE CAN I FIND THE RECIPE? TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR STEWED OKRA AND TOMATOES

Below, under the next heading, I give a list of preferred ingredients, tips, and cooking instructions for Stewed Okra and Tomatoes and similar recipe ideas you can have.

You can also scroll down to the bottom, where you will find a full printable recipe card with the amounts of the ingredients, complete instructions, and notes.

TIPS AND TIDBITS TO MAKE THE BEST STEWED OKRA AND TOMATOES

Fresh okra and tomatoes. Use fresh okra and fresh tomatoes in the summer when the produce is at its peak. However, frozen okra and canned tomatoes work beautifully and purest flavors. The frozen okra is softer and will cook faster.

Bacon. You can also use diced pork belly, diced ham, and pancetta for great substitutes to bring a rich, smoky element.

Stovetop. The recipe comes together quickly in a skillet or Dutch oven so as not to have to turn the oven on in the summer months.

Versatile dish. The dish can be served as a light lunch. Or, for dinner, add a few more vegetables, and you have a delicious skillet dinner served up with cornbread or biscuits.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE STEWED OKRA AND TOMATOES

Thick bacon
Onion
Garlic
Okra
Fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes
Black pepper
Salt
Cajun spice or red pepper flakes (optional)

HOW TO PREPARE STEWED OKRA AND TOMATOES

In a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp.

In the reserved drippings, add the tomatoes, onion, green pepper, and celery, cooking for about 5 minutes until tender.

Add the okra and water and cook another 5 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.

Cover and cook another 5 minutes or until heated thoroughly.

Serve with rice or cornbread.