Name: Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: 3 slices thick-cut bacon, diced; 1 small Vidalia onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups fresh or frozen okra, stems trimmed and cut into ½-inch pieces; 2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, NOT drained; 1 tablespoon sugar; 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves or ½ teaspoon dried thyme; 1 dried bay leaf; ½ teaspoon apple cider vinegar; ½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce; Salt and pepper, to taste

If you’re craving a dish that’s a little cozy, a little Southern, and bursting with flavor, you absolutely have to try my Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe. This fantastic combo turns humble okra and tomatoes into something unbelievably delicious, thanks to crispy bacon and fragrant thyme. Trust me, once you make this, it might just become your new weeknight favorite!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Deep, Layered Flavors: The bacon renders rich fat that infuses every bite with smoky goodness.
Comforting and Nostalgic: It’s a classic Southern recipe that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: You don’t need fancy produce to make this shine – pantry staples do the trick.
Perfect Balance of Texture: Tender okra meets juicy tomatoes, with a touch of acidity from vinegar to brighten it up.

The image shows a round black pot filled with a thick stew made of red tomatoes and bright green okra pieces, with bits of onion and spices visible in the red broth. The stew has a varied texture with chunky seeds and soft vegetables. A silver spoon is dipping into the stew from the right side. The pot sits on a wooden surface with sprigs of green herbs nearby, a white striped cloth on the left, and a white plate holding golden square cornbread pieces to the upper right. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme, Okra and Tomato Side Dish, Southern Okra Tomatoes Bacon, Easy Okra and Tomato Recipe, Comfort Food with Bacon

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe plays an important role. The combination of bacon, thyme, and a splash of apple cider vinegar really elevates the simple veggies to something unforgettable. When shopping, I recommend picking fresh okra in season – it makes a real difference!

Flat lay of fresh okra pods sliced into rounds, bright red diced tomatoes with juicy seeds visible, thick-cut raw bacon strips with marbled fat, a small shiny Vidalia onion whole and halved to show the layers, garlic cloves peeled and unpeeled, sprigs of fresh green thyme leaves, a dried bay leaf with its textured surface, and a small bowl of golden apple cider vinegar droplets, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme, Okra and Tomato Side Dish, Southern Okra Tomatoes Bacon, Easy Okra and Tomato Recipe, Comfort Food with Bacon

Bacon: Thick-cut bacon works best here—you want good fat to flavor the dish and a nice crisp bite.
Vidalia onion: Sweet onions like Vidalia bring out a gentle, natural sweetness without overpowering the dish.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds savory depth that pairs beautifully with bacon.
Diced tomatoes: Use canned tomatoes with their juices for ease and flavor—but fresh tomatoes are fantastic if you want to try that.
Sugar: Just a little to balance the acidity of the tomatoes.
Fresh thyme leaves: Thyme adds a subtle herby fragrance and earthy notes; dried thyme works too if you don’t have fresh.
Dried bay leaf: A secret layer of flavor that you’ll definitely want to include.
Apple cider vinegar: This splash balances the dish with a bright tanginess, cutting through the richness.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami and complexity, bringing all the flavors together.
Okra: Fresh or frozen okra works—just trim the stems and slice it into half-inch pieces.
Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to your taste.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love playing around with this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. You can make it your own by adjusting spices and add-ins—don’t be afraid to experiment!

Spicier Version: When I want some heat, I toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes—it gives a nice kick without overwhelming the flavors.
Vegetarian Twist: I’ve swapped out bacon for smoked paprika and a drizzle of olive oil for a veggie-friendly take that still delivers smoky vibes.
Fresh Tomato Swap: When tomatoes are ripe and juicy, I chop fresh and add them instead of canned—makes for a lighter, garden-fresh version.
Herb Variations: Rosemary or oregano can replace thyme for a slightly different herbal note—both work wonderfully!

How to Make Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe

Step 1: Render the Bacon and Sauté Aromatics

Start by cooking the diced bacon in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. You want the bacon to get crispy enough that the fat renders, about 5 minutes. This fat is pure flavor gold for the dish. Once the bacon is just starting to crisp, add diced Vidalia onion and minced garlic. Sauté everything together for about 5 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the kitchen smells heavenly.

Step 2: Add Tomatoes and Flavorings to Simmer

Next, pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring well. Add sugar, fresh thyme leaves, the bay leaf, apple cider vinegar, and Worcestershire sauce. The tomato juices help deglaze the pan, scraping up all those delicious browned bits from cooking the bacon and onions. Turn the heat down to low and let it simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes—this melds the flavors, thickens the sauce, and softens the tomatoes beautifully.

Step 3: Cook the Okra Until Tender

Finally, stir in your chopped okra. Cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently, stirring every now and then to prevent sticking. Fresh okra usually needs around 10-12 minutes to become tender and lose its sliminess; frozen okra cooks a bit faster—7 to 8 minutes is usually perfect. Remember to remove the bay leaf before serving, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it up while it’s warm and steamy!

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Pro Tips for Making Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe

Choosing Okra: Go for firm, bright-green okra with no brown spots; younger pods tend to be less slimy.
Preventing Sliminess: Don’t over-stir the okra once it’s in the pot—stirring too much releases more mucilage and makes it gooier.
Bacon Fat is Flavor: Make sure to render enough fat and don’t drain it off; it’s the key to that smoky depth.
Simmer Gently: Keep heat low after adding tomatoes to avoid overcooking and breaking down flavors.

How to Serve Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe

A close-up view of a black pot filled with a vibrant stew featuring bright red tomato chunks, green okra pieces with their unique ridged texture and visible seeds, and small bits of caramelized onion and garlic, all simmering in a rich, reddish broth; a silver spoon rests inside the pot, partially submerged in the stew, while the background shows two square pieces of golden cornbread on a dark plate, all placed on a white marbled surface with hints of green herbs scattered around. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme, Okra and Tomato Side Dish, Southern Okra Tomatoes Bacon, Easy Okra and Tomato Recipe, Comfort Food with Bacon

Garnishes

I like to top mine with a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves or chopped parsley for a pop of green freshness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a few crumbles of sharp cheddar cheese add a lovely creaminess that balances all those savory notes perfectly.

Side Dishes

This hearty dish pairs wonderfully with crusty cornbread or fluffy white rice—it soaks up the delicious juices and makes for a truly satisfying meal. For a complete Southern vibe, creamy mashed potatoes or fried green tomatoes on the side are fantastic options.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to serve this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe in individual rustic ramekins topped with crispy bacon bits and fresh thyme sprigs. It elevates the dish and adds a charming Southern flair that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and it keeps well for about 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead dish for busy weeks!

Freezing

Freezing works well for this recipe, though the texture of okra softens a bit after thawing. I recommend freezing in small portions and reheating gently to preserve the best flavor and texture.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it seems a bit thick, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. Microwaving works too—just cover loosely to avoid splatters and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use frozen okra in this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen okra works nicely and actually cooks a bit faster than fresh. Just make sure to adjust cooking time accordingly, usually about 7-8 minutes until tender.
How do I reduce the sliminess of okra?

To reduce sliminess, avoid chopping okra too finely and try to add it towards the end of cooking. Also, limit stirring once it’s in the pot, and use acidic ingredients like tomatoes and vinegar, which help break down the mucilage.
What can I substitute if I don’t have bacon?

If you prefer a vegetarian option, smoked paprika and olive oil make a great substitution to mimic the smoky flavor. You can also try smoked sausage or ham if you want a meaty alternative.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes! Fresh tomatoes are wonderful when in season. Just chop them and add a bit of extra cooking time to break them down and develop the flavors. You might want to add a little water or broth if they seem too dry.

Final Thoughts

Making this Stewed Okra and Tomatoes with Bacon and Thyme Recipe always takes me back to cozy family dinners and lazy Sunday afternoons. I love how straightforward it is, yet so full of flavor and soul. If you give it a try, I know you’ll enjoy having this comforting Southern staple in your recipe rotation just like I do. Go on—grab those ingredients and make some magic happen in your kitchen!