Seared Okra and Tomatoes
Pat: Few flavor combinations sing “summertime in the South” more than okra and tomatoes. Some people find okra intimidating to cook, but it’s really very simple. If okra is cooked for too long over too low a heat, it can turn slimy and limp. The secret is first searing the okra over a very high heat, then finishing it for a few minutes in the piquant tomato sauce. This method prevents the okra from getting gooey (frying okra does the same thing). Okra and tomatoes are great alongside fried fish, or any roasted or grilled meat, and they also pair well over a creamy starch like grits or spoonbread.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 4 to 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic, and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, salt, pepper, rosemary, red-pepper flakes, bay leaves, and vinegar, and cook for 10 minutes, until the tomatoes start to break down and form a paste. Add the chicken stock, return to a simmer, and cook over low heat for 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 2
While the tomato sauce cooks, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is very hot and shimmering, sauté the okra for about 5 minutes, until lightly browned, then add the okra to the tomato sauce. Simmer the okra tomato mixture for 2 to 3 more minutes, remove the bay leaves, and then serve.
