Savor the Southern charm of "Limpin Susan," a beloved Lowcountry recipe that pairs the earthy flavor of fresh okra with smoky, crispy bacon and fluffy, perfectly cooked rice. This one-pot wonder combines simple pantry staples like long-grain white rice, chicken broth, and aromatic onion and garlic, creating a dish that's both hearty and packed with flavor. The addition of smoked paprika adds a subtle hint of spice, while the rendered bacon fat infuses every bite with rich, savory depth. Ready in just 40 minutes, this dish is as easy as it is satisfying, making it perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing Southern-inspired side. Best served steaming hot, Limpin Susan is a must-try gem of Southern cuisine that will leave your taste buds craving more!
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate lined with paper towels. Crumble the bacon once cooled.
In the same skillet, leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered bacon fat. If there's excess grease, carefully pour it off.
Add the sliced okra to the skillet and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to soften and slightly brown.
Add the chopped onion and cook for another 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the onion becomes translucent.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Add the rice to the skillet and stir well to coat it in the vegetables and bacon fat. Toast the rice for about 1-2 minutes.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika, if using.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let the rice simmer for 18-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
Turn off the heat, fluff the rice with a fork, and stir in the crumbled bacon.
Serve hot and enjoy!
Calories |
676 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 18.3 g | 23% | |
| Saturated Fat | 6.1 g | 30% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.9 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 48 mg | 16% | |
| Sodium | 3125 mg | 136% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.8 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 13.1 g | 47% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.5 g | ||
| Protein | 35.7 g | 71% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 348 mg | 27% | |
| Iron | 7.0 mg | 39% | |
| Potassium | 1819 mg | 39% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.