Stewed Okra In Tomato Sauce

Okra is one of those vegetables that people seem to either love or hate. If you aren’t a fan, this recipe for stewed okra with tomatoes may change your mind. Bamies latheres me domata (stewed okra in tomato sauce) is a simple Greek vegetarian dish that works beautifully as a side or light entrée. The combination of tender okra simmered in a rich tomato sauce enhanced with garlic and fresh parsley makes for a comforting and flavorful dish.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 pounds okra (stems trimmed)
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 8 ounces tomato sauce (or puree)
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1/2 cup water
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions

Prepare the Okra

1. Soak the Okra:
   Start by soaking the okra in a large bowl filled with water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt for at least an hour. This step helps reduce the sliminess that okra can sometimes have, making it more palatable.
2. Drain and Dry:
   After soaking, drain the okra thoroughly but do not rinse the pods. Pat the okra dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to remove any excess moisture.

Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat the Oil:
   Heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a large soup pot or Dutch oven.
2. Sauté the Onion:
   Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Garlic:
   Add the minced garlic to the pot and continue to sauté for 1-2 minutes until it releases its aroma.

Cook the Okra

1. Add the Okra:
   Add the prepared okra to the pot with the onions and garlic.
2. Add the Sauce and Water:
   Add the chopped fresh parsley and 1/2 cup of water to the tomato sauce. Stir everything gently to combine, ensuring the okra is well-coated with the tomato sauce.

Simmer the Stew

1. Cover and Simmer:
   Cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow the okra to simmer gently in the tomato sauce for 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the size of the okra pods.
2. Monitor and Stir:
   Stir occasionally and monitor the liquid levels in the pot. If the sauce dries out before the okra is tender, add more water as needed to maintain a saucy consistency. The okra should be tender, and the tomato sauce should have thickened slightly.

Season and Serve

1. Season:
   Once the okra is fully cooked and tender, season the stew with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
2. Serve:
   Serve the stewed okra hot as a side dish or a light main course.

Additional Tips

• Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread or a side of rice, which helps to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce. If you want to serve it as a larger meal, it also complements grilled meats or fish.
• Make Ahead: Stewed okra can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated.
• Variations: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or a splash of red wine to the tomato sauce while it simmers. To make the stew heartier, you can also include other vegetables such as diced bell peppers or zucchini.

This Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce is a hearty, comforting dish that highlights the unique flavor and texture of okra in a way that even those hesitant to try this vegetable might enjoy. With its rich tomato base and aromatic herbs, it's a true taste of Greek home cooking. Enjoy!