Okra and Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 24 ounces fresh okra (stems + tips removed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 2 teaspoons white vinegar
• 1 (28-ounce) canned whole plum tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1 sweet onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons Slap Ya Mama cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
• 2 green onions (chopped)

Instructions

1. 1

   In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, add the bacon slices and cook until crispy. Remove and cut into pieces, reserving the grease in the skillet.

2. 2

   Add the chopped okra (24 ounces) and vinegar (2 teaspoons) and cook, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes, until most of the ‘slime’ has gone. Remove to the side.

3. 3

   Add the vegetable oil (2 teaspoons) and heat over medium-high heat. Add diced onions and cook until softened. Add the garlic (4 cloves) and cook for another 3 minutes.

4. 4

   Add the canned plum tomatoes (28 ounces) and their juices, as well as the tomato paste (1 tablespoon) and chicken broth (1 cup). Using a wooden spoon, break up the tomatoes.

5. 5

   Stir in the seasonings (2 teaspoons) and the hot sauce (1 teaspoon), then simmer for about 30 minutes, until the tomatoes have reduced some.

6. 6

   Add the okra and bacon pieces back and cook for another 10 minutes.

7. 7

   Sprinkle with green onions, and serve over white rice or as a side dish.