**Smothered Okra and Okra Gumbo: A Southern Delicacy**
Okra, with its distinctive flavor and tender texture, takes center stage in two classic Southern dishes: smothered okra and okra gumbo. These dishes offer a delectable blend of flavors and textures, making them a favorite among food enthusiasts.
Smothered okra, a simple yet flavorful dish, features tender okra pods simmered in a rich tomato sauce, often with the addition of onions, garlic, and bell peppers. The slow-cooking process allows the okra to absorb the sauce's flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering dish that pairs perfectly with rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Okra gumbo, a Louisiana specialty, is a hearty and flavorful stew that combines okra with a variety of vegetables, such as onions, celery, and bell peppers, in a rich, savory broth. The addition of okra adds a unique texture and a slightly slimy consistency to the gumbo, which is often served over rice.
Both smothered okra and okra gumbo are excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. Okra is particularly rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, and folate, while also providing a good dose of magnesium, potassium, and fiber. These dishes are not only delicious but also offer various health benefits, making them a wholesome addition to any meal.
SMOTHERED OKRA BASE FOR OKRA GUMBO OR A SIMPLE SIDE DISH
This is the easiest way to smother okra. Using this method, the okra can be eaten as is or used as a base for Okra Gumbo. To prepare the gumbo, all that needs to be added to this full batch of cooked okra is about 3 to 4 pounds peeled and deveined shrimp, cooking stovetop for about 20 to 25 minutes after returning to a simmer. Should additional liquid need be added, do so towards the end of the 20 minutes by adding broth, water or shrimp stock to reach desired consistency. Serve gumbo over cooked rice.
Provided by gailanng
Categories Gumbo
Time 2h30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- In a large roasting pot, layer alternately the okra, onions, bell pepper, tomatoes with juice, oil, garlic, celery, ham seasoning, water or broth, salt and pepper.
- Cover pot tightly and place in 425°F oven.
- Cook 30 minutes, stir and reduce heat to 350 degrees.
- Cover and cook 2 - 2 1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.
- When the stringing of the okra ceases, the okra is cooked.
- Remove from oven and allow to cool.
- Chill COMPLETELY before packaging and freezing.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 369.1, Fat 11.6, SaturatedFat 2.9, Sodium 283.3, Carbohydrate 68.6, Fiber 16.8, Sugar 12.1, Protein 11.9
OKRA SHRIMP GUMBO
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 5h45m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the stock and keep warm.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add the oil and onions and saute, stirring frequently, until the onions are soft and golden brown, 15 to 20 minutes. Add a little hot stock if needed to avoid burning and to keep the onions soft.
- Add the salted pork and ham and cook for 10 minutes. Add the garlic, celery, bell pepper and 1 cup stock and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Add the mild and hot smoked sausages and simmer for 10 minutes. Add the remaining stock and the Slow Cooker Smothered Okra and cook until thickened slightly, 15 minutes. Stir in the shrimp, parsley and green onions and add salt and red pepper to taste. Cook another 5 to 8 minutes, then turn off the heat and stir in the crab.
- Combine the okra and oil in a slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high until tender, 3 to 4 hours. Stores well in ziptop bags in the freezer.
SMOTHERED OKRA
Make and share this Smothered Okra recipe from Food.com.
Provided by Kikimony
Categories Greens
Time 1h35m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Pour oil in bottom of pan.
- Add the remaining ingredients.
- Cover pot and simmer 1 1/2 hours on low, stirring often.
- Remove the cover the last 10 minutes.
SMOTHERED OKRA OR (OKRA GUMBO )
I LOVE OKRA AND THIS IS A SIMPLE RECIPE
Provided by FANNIE MCCOY @ZAYDEN2
Categories Vegetables
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- heat 1 t. oil in a large skillet over med heat, stir in garlic, bell pepper ,and onion, saute until tender.stir in okra, mushrooms,diced tomatoes with juice,tomato paste, file,salt & pepper and bay leaf. cook ,stirring occasionally,for 45 min.
- heat 2 T.oil in a med skillet over med. heat ,stirring constantly,add flour, and cook 2 to 5 min. until golden roux has formed.
- spoon roux into the okra mixture, and continue to cook, stirring occasionally for 5 to 10 until thickened. serve with rice
Tips:
- Choose fresh okra: Look for okra that is bright green in color and firm to the touch. Avoid okra that is brown or has slimy spots.
- Trim the okra properly: Cut off the stem end and the blossom end of each okra pod. Then, slice the okra into 1-inch pieces.
- Soak the okra in vinegar: This helps to reduce the okra's sliminess. Soak the okra in vinegar for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot: This will help to prevent the okra from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook the okra over medium heat: This will help to prevent the okra from becoming tough.
- Season the okra well: Okra is a mild-flavored vegetable, so it is important to season it well. Use a variety of spices, such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Serve the okra immediately: Okra is best served fresh. If you plan on storing the okra, do so in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion:
Okra is a delicious and versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes. Whether you are making a simple side dish or a hearty main course, okra is a great choice. With its mild flavor and unique texture, okra is sure to please everyone at your table.
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