Southern Okra and Tomato’s

Y’all, I may have grown up in the South, but let me tell you……this dish wasn’t on our Italian table! My husband, though? Born and raised by true Southerners, and this was a staple in his home. Just like I hold tight to my own food memories, this one is his, and I’m so lucky he shared it with me.

Even better? He taught me how to make it on our 13th wedding anniversary. Proof that a great marriage isn’t about fancy dinners or big spending. It’s about time together, sharing stories, making new memories, and savoring a simple, heartfelt meal at home, just the two of us.

You will need:

4 medium tomatoes

4 cups of slices okra

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/2 vidalia onion, chopped

3 strips hickory smoked bacon, cut into 1/4 inch pieces

2 tbsp tomato paste

1 tbsp vinegar

1 tbsp sugar

Olive oil

Salt and Pepper to taste

Start by boiling some water, enough to cover the tomato’s. Score the top of each tomato in a X.  Drop into boiling water for 60 seconds, then plunge into cold water.  Let sit while you chop the onions and mince the garlic.  Remove the ends of the okra and slice somewhat thin(my husband made his too thick but don’t tell him I said that).   Remove tomatoes from cold water, peel the skin and chop into bite size chunks.

In a medium stock pot, add a glug of olive oil and heat (enough to generously coat the bottom),  add the bacon and stir, cooking until done but not crisp.  Add in the onions, stir for 5 minutes until softened then add the garlic.  Continue to stir until all is fragrant, about 5 more minutes.  Add the tomato paste and stir until carmelized. Next add the sugar and the vinegar.  Simmer for a few minutes then add the tomatoes, then the okra, salt and pepper.  Give it a good stir, turn the heat down and cover.   Cook for about 45 minutes until stew like.  Remove the cover for a few more minutes so it thickens.  Serve as a side, OR ( and I am trying this next) add some shrimp!

Footnote: as a control freak, adding the garlic after the onions almost gave me anxiety, but you all will be happy to know I stepped back and let my husband be the chef of this recipe.  I also had to refrain from adding grated Pecorino……. that probably would have been really good.  Next time!  😜