Okro Stew with Tomatoes and Onions
A vibrant, mildly thickened stew featuring fresh okra, tomatoes, and onions, perfect for pairing with fufu or rice. This west african-inspired one pot ready in about 40 minutes pairs medium, diced tomatoes, medium, finely chopped onion, minced garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 3, 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
- 1.5 cups, trimmed and sliced 1/4-inch thick fresh okra
- 2 medium, diced tomatoes
- 1 medium, finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp palm oil
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat palm oil in a deep pot over medium heat until shimmering (about 350°F), then add chopped onion and sauté for 3 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in diced tomatoes and cook for 4 minutes until they break down into a sauce.
- Step 3: Add sliced okra, vegetable broth, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15 minutes until okra is tender but not mushy.
- Step 4: Uncover and simmer for 5 more minutes to thicken the sauce until it coats a spoon without running off.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning, ensuring the okra has a slight bite and the stew has a balanced tomato flavor.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Okro Stew with Tomatoes and Onions take to make?
Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 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 Okro Stew with Tomatoes and Onions?
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 medium, diced tomatoes from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Okro Stew with Tomatoes and Onions?
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 Okro Stew with Tomatoes and Onions for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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.
What goes well with Okro Stew with Tomatoes and Onions?
West African one pot like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many quick meals recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
My family liked it. I personally would prefer more depth of flavor.
