Okra & Tomatoes – The Black Family Reunion Cookbook – Black Foodie Finder

A Southern Heritage Side Dish That Lets Fresh Vegetables Shine

Simple, comforting, and packed with Southern flavor, Okra & Tomatoes is a classic vegetable dish that celebrates two staples of African American and Southern home cooking. Fresh okra slowly simmers with ripe tomatoes, onions, and celery to create a savory side that’s equally at home beside fried chicken, barbecue, cornbread, or Sunday dinner.

Featured as a Heritage Recipe in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe reflects generations of cooks who transformed fresh garden vegetables into hearty, flavorful dishes using only a handful of everyday ingredients. Slow simmering allows the vegetables to blend into a rich, comforting accompaniment that remains a Southern favorite today.

Ingredients

(Listed exactly as they appear in the cookbook.)

• ¼ cup Butter Flavor Crisco
• 2 onions, chopped
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 2 cups peeled and chopped tomatoes
• 2 cups sliced young okra
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt and pepper

Makes: 8 servings

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Butter Flavor Crisco in a large saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onions and celery, cooking until the vegetables become tender.
3. Stir in the tomatoes, sliced okra, and bay leaf.
4. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook uncovered for about 1 hour, allowing the vegetables to soften and the flavors to blend.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove the bay leaf before serving and enjoy while warm.

Pro Tips & Suggestions

• Choose young, tender okra for the best texture and flavor.
• Fresh garden tomatoes provide the richest taste, but good-quality canned tomatoes can be substituted when needed.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking while preserving the vegetables’ texture.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if you enjoy a little Southern-style heat.
• Serve alongside cornbread, fried catfish, barbecue, or black-eyed peas for a traditional Southern meal.

About the Cookbook

Compiled by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc., The Black Family Reunion Cookbook preserves treasured African American recipes and food traditions passed from one generation to the next. Heritage Recipes like Okra & Tomatoes celebrate the importance of fresh seasonal ingredients, family gatherings, and the enduring legacy of Southern Black cooking.

The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women

Where to Find This Recipe

This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. The cookbook is a remarkable collection of heritage recipes, family favorites, and regional dishes that preserve the rich culinary traditions of African American families.