Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce

Okra is one of those vegetables that people seem to either love or hate. If you aren’t a fan, this recipe for stewed okra with tomatoes may change your mind. Bamies latheres me domata (stewed okra in tomato sauce) is a simple Greek vegetarian dish that will work well as a side or as a light entrée.

Ingredients:

•     1 1/2 pounds okra (stems trimmed)
•     1/2 cup white vinegar
•     1 tablespoon salt
•     1/4 cup olive oil
•     1 medium onion (diced)
•     1 clove garlic (minced)
•     8 ounces tomato sauce (or puree)
•     1/4 cup fresh parsley (chopped)
•     1/2 cup water
•     Salt (to taste)
•     Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. Gather the ingredients.
2. Bamies Latheres me Domata: Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce ingredients
3. Soak the okra for at least an hour before cooking in a large bowl filled with some water, white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt.
4. Drain the soaking liquid from the okra before cooking but do not rinse the pods. Dry okra well.
5. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.
6. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant about 1 or 2 minutes.
7. Add the okra, tomato sauce, parsley, and water. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes depending on size. Be sure to monitor your liquid levels in the pot and add a bit of water if needed.
8. Add the okra, tomato sauce, parsley, and water to the onion in the pot
9. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve.