Okra and Tomato Stew

December 26th – January 1st marked the 2021 celebration of Kwanzaa. Kwanzaa is a non-religious celebration of African heritage and harvest. It was created in the 1960s by Maulana Ron Karenga, an African American activist and academic. There is no one dish that is prepared to celebrate Kwanzaa; instead, the food prepared usually draws from all of the African diaspora. Okra and tomato are common ingredients found in African diaspora dishes, particularly in African American southern cooking.

You will need:

  • 1 yellow onion
  • ~10 okra
  • 2 cans diced tomato
  • Olive oil
  • 2 teaspoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Dice the onion and slice the okra. If using fresh tomatoes instead of canned, dice them too.
  2. Cook the onion in a pan with oil or fat on medium heat until translucent. About 6 minutes.
  3. Add in the okra and tomatoes. Season with chili powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  4. Simmer for about 20 minutes. Add in broth or water to adjust the consistency.
  5. Serve hot with cornbread.