Name: Gullah Okra and Tomatoes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Gullah Geechee
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds; 4 slices bacon, chopped; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar; Fresh parsley for garnish

A simple, perfect side dish of okra simmered with tomatoes, onions, and bacon. This Gullah okra and tomatoes recipe is a taste of West Africa in the Lowcountry.

Ingredients

1 lb fresh okra, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds
4 slices bacon, chopped
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon, leaving drippings.
Add onion to drippings and cook until softened, about 4 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 minute.
Add okra and cook 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to lose its slime.
Add diced tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine.
Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer 10 minutes until okra is tender.
Stir in vinegar and return bacon to the skillet. Cook 2 more minutes.
Garnish with parsley. Serve as a side dish.

💡 Pro Tip: The vinegar helps reduce the okra's sliminess. This dish is perfect alongside fried fish or shrimp and grits.