Okra and tomatoes: The best dishes you need to try
What's the story
Okra and tomatoes make a classic summer combination, perfect for light, nutritious meals. Both ingredients are easily available in most markets during the season. They not only add flavor but also nutrition to your meals. Here are some ways you can use okra and tomatoes to make the most of your summer meals.
Dish 1
Stir-fried okra with tomatoes
Stir-frying okra with tomatoes is a quick and easy way to enjoy this combo. Slice fresh okra into small rounds and saute them in olive oil until tender. Add chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Cook until the tomatoes soften and create a light sauce. This dish goes well with rice or flatbread, making it a versatile meal option.
Dish 2
Okra-tomato salad
An okra-tomato salad is a refreshing choice for hot summer days. Blanch whole okra pods briefly in boiling water before slicing them lengthwise. Combine with diced tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix all ingredients well. This salad can be served as a side dish or light lunch.
Dish 3
Baked okra and tomato casserole
A baked casserole of okra and tomatoes makes for a hearty meal without much effort. Layer sliced fresh okra at the bottom of a baking dish, followed by layers of sliced tomatoes seasoned with herbs like basil or oregano. Bake at 180 degrees Celsius until everything is cooked through but retains its shape.
Dish 4
Grilled okra stuffed with tomatoes
Grilling gives a smoky flavor to stuffed okra pods filled with a mixture of finely chopped tomatoes mixed with spices like cumin or coriander powder before grilling them over medium heat until they are tender yet slightly charred from outside. Serve these as appetizers during gatherings or enjoy them yourself on warm evenings outdoors.