Okra dish

Okra dish is a delicious and comforting recipe, perfect for days when you want to enjoy rich flavors and healthy ingredients. This recipe combines the juicy taste of chicken thighs with the delicate texture of okra and the savory tomato sauce, creating a dish that will delight the whole family. I will explain step by step how to prepare it, providing you with useful tips and information about the ingredients, so you can achieve a perfect result.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour
Total time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 2 chicken thighs
- 1 bag of frozen okra (approximately 400-500g)
- 1 medium onion
- 1 can of peeled tomatoes (Cirio, 400g)
- 2 cups of water
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Olive oil, for frying

For garnish:
- 1 cup of rice
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- Frozen vegetables, of your choice (carrots, peas, etc.)

Brief history:

Okra is a popular ingredient in many cultures, appreciated for its crunchy texture and the nutritional benefits it offers. It is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. The okra dish combines the rich flavor of chicken thighs with the subtle taste of okra, creating a dish that evokes memories of abundant family meals, full of warmth and good cheer.

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the ingredients
Start by preparing all the ingredients. Chop the onion into small cubes so that it sautés evenly. Take the okra out of the freezer and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes.

Step 2: Frying the chicken thighs
In a deep pan, add a few tablespoons of olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then add them to the pan. Fry for 4-5 minutes on each side until they turn golden. This is when the delicious aroma will start to fill the kitchen.

Step 3: Adding the vegetables
After the thighs are fried, add the chopped onion and frozen okra to the pan. Mix well and let them sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.

Step 4: Tomato sauce
Pour the can of peeled tomatoes over the meat and vegetable mixture. Add oregano, salt, pepper, and the two cups of water. Mix everything well and let it simmer on low heat for 20 minutes. At this stage, the flavors will combine beautifully, and the sauce will thicken.

Step 5: Baking in the oven
Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Cover it with aluminum foil to retain moisture and flavor. Place the dish in the preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius and bake for 45 minutes. It’s a good idea to check occasionally to ensure it doesn’t dry out.

Step 6: Finishing the dish
After 45 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and take off the foil. Let it bake for another 10 minutes to achieve a nice crust and intensify the flavors.

Preparing the rice with vegetables:

Step 1: Cooking the rice
In a pot, add one cup of rice and two cups of water. Add the chopped onion and red bell pepper, along with a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the rice absorbs the water.

Step 2: Adding the vegetables
When the rice is almost done, add the desired frozen vegetables and stir. Let it simmer for another 5 minutes until the vegetables are cooked but still retain their crunch.

Serving:

Serve the okra dish hot, alongside the rice with vegetables. You can add a few fresh parsley leaves for a pop of color and flavor. This combination will turn the meal into a true celebration of tastes!

Useful tips:

- If you prefer a spicier taste, you can add a bit of chili pepper to the tomato sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast, but the cooking time will be shorter.
- Fresh okra is delicious, but frozen okra is very convenient and retains much of its nutrients.
- If you want to enrich the dish, add other favorite vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes, you can experiment with lamb or pork, but the cooking time will change.

2. How can I store okra?
Fresh okra can be kept in the refrigerator for a few days, but frozen okra has a longer shelf life.

3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the okra dish a day in advance and reheat it in the oven, covered, to prevent it from drying out.

Nutritional information:

A serving of okra dish with rice contains approximately 450-500 calories, providing high-quality protein, fiber, and a variety of essential vitamins. It is an excellent choice for a healthy, balanced meal.

Enjoy this simple and delicious okra dish recipe that will bring warmth and comfort to your days! It’s a perfect dish to be savored with family or friends, along with a refreshing drink. Bon appétit!