Okra Tomato Stew Recipe

A Pot Full of Memories

This stew reminds me of my grandpa’s garden. He grew the biggest, brightest tomatoes. I still laugh at how he would brag about them.

He taught me to cook this simple dish. It is more than just food. It is a warm hug from the past. That is why this matters.

Getting Your Pot Ready

First, you heat the bacon grease. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It fills the whole kitchen. Then you cook the onions until they are soft.

Add the garlic next. It only needs a minute. You will know it is ready by the wonderful smell. What is your favorite cooking smell?

The Heart of the Stew

Now, in goes the okra and tomatoes. They sizzle and pop in the pot. Pour in the chicken broth and let it all get happy together.

Let it simmer until the okra is tender. This is when the magic happens. The flavors become one big family. This is why cooking from scratch matters.

A Little Story About Okra

I was scared of okra as a girl. I thought it was too slimy. My grandma told me a secret. Cooking it with tomatoes fixes that.

She was right! The stew was perfect. I have loved it ever since. Did you ever change your mind about a food you disliked?

Fun Fact and Final Thoughts

*Fun fact*: Okra is actually a fruit! It has seeds inside, just like a tomato. I think that is just wonderful.

This stew is cozy and good for you. It makes you feel strong and happy. What is your favorite cozy meal to eat on a cool day?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Bacon grease (or vegetable oil)	2 tablespoons
Onion	1 large, chopped
Garlic	2 cloves, minced
Okra	1 pound (about 4 cups cut)	Cut
Tomatoes	3 ripe	Seeded and chopped
Chicken broth	1 cup
Salt	to taste
Pepper	to taste

A Pot of Summer Memories

This stew always brings back my childhood summers. My grandpa grew the okra in his garden. I remember the tall plants with their funny little hats.

The smell of onions cooking is the true start of any good meal. It makes the whole house feel cozy and loved. This recipe is simple, but it holds so much flavor. Let’s make some new memories together, shall we?

Step 1: First, let’s get our pot nice and warm. Put your bacon grease in a big pot over medium heat. Add all those chopped onions and let them sizzle. Cook them until they look soft and shiny. This takes about seven or eight minutes. Now stir in your minced garlic. (A hard-learned tip: don’t let the garlic burn! It gets bitter very fast.)

Step 2: Next, it’s time for the main stars. Toss in your cut okra and chopped tomatoes. I love the bright colors in the pot. Pour in the chicken broth too. Give everything a good, gentle stir. Doesn’t that look pretty already?

Step 3: Now, bring your stew to a happy little boil. Then, turn the heat down to a quiet simmer. Add salt and pepper until it tastes just right to you. Put the lid on and let it cook for about twenty minutes. What’s your favorite garden vegetable? Share below! The okra is ready when it’s tender.

Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Stew

Three Tasty Twists on Our Stew

This stew is like a good friend. It’s wonderful just as it is. But it’s also happy to change its clothes for a new occasion. Here are a few fun ways to mix it up.

The Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño with the onions. A little heat makes the flavors pop!

The Garden Veggie: Use vegetable broth instead of chicken. A splash of olive oil replaces the bacon grease.

The Hearty Helper: Stir in a cup of cooked rice at the end. It makes the stew thicker and even more filling.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

My Favorite Ways to Serve It

A good stew deserves good company on the table. I like to serve mine in a wide, shallow bowl. It feels more special that way. A big piece of cornbread for dipping is a must. The sweet cornbread and the tangy stew are perfect partners.

For a drink, a glass of sweet iced tea is classic. It cools everything down so nicely. If you’re feeling fancy, a light lager beer works well too. It cuts through the richness of the stew. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Stew Cozy for Later

Let’s talk about storing this lovely stew. It keeps well in the fridge for about three days. Just pop it in a sealed container once it cools. For longer storage, your freezer is a great friend. It will be happy there for up to three months. I always make a double batch to freeze. This means a warm meal is ready on a busy night. Batch cooking saves you time and stress later. It turns a chore into a simple treat.

I remember my first time freezing this stew. I was so pleased to find it weeks later. It tasted just as good as the day I made it. To reheat, just warm it gently on the stove. Add a splash of broth or water if it gets too thick. This brings all the flavors back to life. A warm meal waiting for you feels like a hug. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for a Perfect Stew

Sometimes, our cooking has little hiccups. Do not worry. Here are some easy fixes. If your stew is too watery, just cook it a bit longer. Leave the lid off so the extra liquid can steam away. I once added too much broth by mistake. A few extra minutes of simmering fixed it right up. Getting the seasoning right matters for a happy belly. It makes the whole dish sing with flavor.

Is your okra a bit slimy? A good trick is to add a splash of vinegar. Just a teaspoon stirred in will help a lot. Also, make sure your skillet is nice and hot before you start. This helps the onions cook sweet and soft. Cooking with confidence makes the whole process more fun. You learn that little mistakes are not so scary. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Okra Stew Questions Answered

Q: Is this stew gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. Just check your chicken broth label to be sure.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. The flavors get even better the next day.

Q: What can I use instead of bacon grease? A: A good vegetable oil works just fine. The taste will be a little different, but still good.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Of course. Just use a bigger pot so everything fits nicely. *Fun fact: Okra is actually a fruit, not a vegetable!*

Q: Any optional add-ins? A: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a nice little kick. Which tip will you try first?

Share Your Kitchen Creations

I hope you enjoy making this stew as much as I do. It is a simple, comforting dish from my kitchen to yours. Food tastes better when we share it. I would love to see your version of this recipe. Your photos and stories always make my day. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking! —Elowen Thorn.