Southern Okra and Tomatoes with Bits of Bacon
Experience the bold, comforting flavors of the South with this Southern Okra and Tomatoes with Bits of Bacon recipe. Perfectly tender okra and juicy tomatoes are simmered with aromatic onion and garlic, then elevated with a smoky kick of paprika and a tangy touch of apple cider vinegar. Crispy crumbled bacon adds irresistible savory richness to this dish, while the optional cayenne pepper delivers a gentle heat for spice lovers. Simple to prepare in under 40 minutes, this hearty skillet dish can be served as a side or spooned over fluffy rice for a satisfying meal. Whether you're using fresh or frozen okra, this recipe is a delicious celebration of Southern comfort food at its finest!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound okras, fresh or frozen, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved (or canned diced tomatoes)
- 4 bacon slices, thick-cut
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth or vegetable stock
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or bacon drippings (if needed)
Instructions
Place a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium heat. Add the bacon slices and cook until crispy, about 5–7 minutes. Remove the bacon onto a paper towel-lined plate, and once cool, crumble into small bits. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the bacon drippings in the skillet and discard the rest (or save it for another use).
If needed, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet to supplement the bacon drippings, then add the chopped onion. Sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant.
Add the minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds, being careful not to let it burn.
Toss in the sliced okra and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to soften and its natural sliminess is reduced.
Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes (or canned tomatoes) along with the chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well to combine.
Reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra and tomatoes are tender and the flavors have melded together.
Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled bacon bits. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve warm as a side dish or over rice for a heartier meal. Enjoy your Southern Okra and Tomatoes with Bits of Bacon!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
532 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 23.1 g | 30% | |
| Saturated Fat | 4.7 g | 24% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 15 mg | 5% | |
| Sodium | 3203 mg | 139% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 70.7 g | 26% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 23.5 g | 84% | |
| Total Sugars | 28.5 g | ||
| Protein | 21.7 g | 43% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 468 mg | 36% | |
| Iron | 5.5 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 2814 mg | 60% | |
*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.
