Braised Okra with Smoked Tomatoes and Corn
A Southern classic where tender okra simmers with smoky tomatoes and sweet corn, creating a deeply savory vegetable side dish. This southern-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes pairs sliced into 1/2-inch rounds okra, smoked tomato paste, fresh or frozen corn kernels for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 150 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, sliced into 1/2-inch rounds okra
- 2 tbsp smoked tomato paste
- 1 cup, fresh or frozen corn kernels
- 1/2 cup, diced red bell pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Step 2: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Stir in 1 lb sliced okra and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 4: Add 2 tbsp smoked tomato paste, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1 cup corn kernels, and 1 cup chicken broth.
- Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 6: Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until okra is tender and flavors meld.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Braised Okra with Smoked Tomatoes and Corn take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Braised Okra with Smoked Tomatoes and Corn?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked tomato paste from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Braised Okra with Smoked Tomatoes and Corn?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Braised Okra with Smoked Tomatoes and Corn for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Braised Okra with Smoked Tomatoes and Corn vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many vegetarian recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
