Okra Stew Recipe

Mak Erot

3 min read

·

Apr 01, 2025

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Okra Stew: A Flavorful and Simple Recipe

Okra stew is a hearty and flavorful dish that's perfect for a weeknight meal. This recipe provides a delicious and easy-to-follow guide to creating a satisfying okra stew bursting with fresh flavors. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe will guide you through every step of the way. Let's dive in!

Ingredients You'll Need:

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings. You can easily adjust the quantities based on your needs.

• 1 lb fresh okra: Trim the stems and wash thoroughly. Slicing the okra into 1/2-inch rounds helps prevent it from becoming overly slimy.
• 1 large onion: Finely chopped, forming the base of your flavor profile.
• 2 cloves garlic: Minced for a pungent and aromatic touch.
• 1 green bell pepper: Chopped for added sweetness and color. A red bell pepper works well too!
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes: Undrained, adding both flavor and moisture to the stew.
• 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth for a richer flavor): This provides the stew's liquid base.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a depth of smoky flavor. Experiment with other spices like cayenne for a kick!
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin: Earthy and warming, complementing the other spices beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A touch of classic spice.
• Salt to taste: Adjust to your preference.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Use for sautéing the vegetables.
• Optional additions: Consider adding other vegetables like tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, or potatoes for a more substantial stew. You can also incorporate protein such as shrimp, chicken, or beef.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

2. Bloom the spices: Add the smoked paprika and cumin to the pot and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, to release their fragrant oils. This step enhances the overall flavor profile significantly.

3. Add the remaining ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained), vegetable broth, black pepper, and salt. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Simmer the okra: Add the sliced okra to the pot and reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender but still slightly firm. Overcooking can make the okra mushy.

5. Taste and adjust: Once the okra is cooked to your liking, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

6. Serve and enjoy: Serve your delicious okra stew hot. It's fantastic served with rice, cornbread, or crusty bread for dipping.

Tips for the Best Okra Stew:

• Don't overcook the okra: Overcooked okra becomes slimy. Aim for tender-crisp.
• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add other spices that you enjoy, such as thyme, oregano, or chili powder.
• Add protein: For a heartier meal, add cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef to the stew during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Make it vegetarian/vegan: This recipe is easily adaptable to a vegetarian or vegan diet. Simply use vegetable broth and omit any meat.

This simple okra stew recipe is a great way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. It's flavorful, relatively quick to make, and can be easily customized to your preferences. Enjoy!