Dive into the vibrant flavors of the American South with this hearty Okra Tomato Stew, a comforting dish brimming with juicy beef short ribs, tender okra, and a rich tomato base. This isn't your grandma's okra—we're elevating this classic vegetable to new heights with a slow-cooked richness that melts in your mouth. Imagine tender, fall-apart short ribs infused with the subtle earthiness of okra and the bright tang of ripe tomatoes, all simmered to perfection in a deeply flavorful broth. The perfect blend of textures and tastes will leave you wanting more.
This recipe offers a delightful twist on a Southern staple, perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. From preparing the short ribs to achieving the ideal stew consistency, we’ll guide you through each step of the process with clear instructions and helpful tips. Ready to embark on this culinary journey? Let's get started with the step-by-step instructions!
Tools Needed
- Pot
- Fork
Ingredients
- Beef short ribs: 2 pounds
- Yellow onion: 1 cup (chopped)
- Green bell pepper: 1 cup (chopped)
- Bacon fat: 1 tablespoon
- Water: 6 cups (cold)
- Stew tomatoes: 2 (14.5 ounce cans)
- Tomato puree: 1 (10 ounce can)
- Fresh okra: 6 cups
- Sweet corn: 1 (10 ounce bag) (thawed)
- Seasoned salt: 3 teaspoons
- Coarse black pepper: 1 heaping teaspoon
- Thyme leaves: 1 teaspoon
- Crushed red pepper: 1 heaping teaspoon
- Sugar: 2 tablespoons + 1 tablespoon (to cut tomato acidity)
- Flour: 1 heaping tablespoon
- Bay leaves
- Salt: 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1. Browning the Beef and Building Flavor
- Add beef short ribs to the pot.
- Add chopped yellow onion, green bell pepper, and bacon fat to the pot.
- Cover the pot with 6 cups of cold water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until meat is tender (about 1.5-2 hours).
Step 2. Adding Vegetables and Simmering
- Remove short ribs from the pot and pull the meat from the bone.
- Return the meat to the pot.
- Add canned stew tomatoes and tomato puree.
- Add fresh or thawed frozen okra.
- Add thawed sweet corn.
- Add seasoned salt, coarse black pepper, thyme leaves, crushed red pepper, and sugar.
- Bring to a boil.
Step 3. Thicken the Stew
- Remove ½ cup of liquid from the pot, mix with flour to create a slurry, and add to the pot.
- Reduce heat to simmer. Add more salt, pepper, and sugar to taste.
- Simmer for about 20 minutes.
Read more: Red Lentil Soup with Lemon Mint Yogurt: A Food Wishes Recipe
Tips
- If using frozen okra, make sure it's thawed before adding it to the pot.
- Adjust seasoning to your preference. The recipe suggests adding more salt, pepper, and sugar for a sweeter taste.
Nutrition
- N/A
FAQs
1. Can I substitute the beef short ribs?
Yes! Beef chuck roast or stew beef are great alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly; tougher cuts will need longer.
2. How can I prevent the okra from getting slimy?
Don't overcook the okra! Add it towards the end of the simmering process. A quick sear before adding it to the stew can also help.
3. What can I serve with this stew?
This stew pairs perfectly with cornbread, biscuits, rice, or even mashed potatoes. A simple green salad would also complement the richness of the stew.
This Okra Tomato Stew with Beef Short Ribs is a true testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into a culinary masterpiece. From its rich, savory broth to the tender meat and perfectly cooked okra, every bite is a delightful experience. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish, and don't hesitate to experiment with your own variations!