OKRA & TOMATO STEW

OKRA & TOMATO STEW


1/3 cup vegetable oil
1-1/2 lbs. fresh or thawed frozen okra, patted dry
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 medium onion, thinly sliced
5 large garlic cloves, minced
½ cup coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
One (28-oz.) can peeled Italian tomatoes, chopped, juice reserved
Salt and freshly ground pepper


In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the okra and cook over moderate heat, stirring until bright green and crisp-tender, about 4 minutes. Transfer okra to a plate with a slotted spoon; discard the oil.

Add the olive oil to the skillet and heat until shimmering. Add the onion and cook over moderate heat until softened and golden, about 8 minutes. Add the garlic and cilantro and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomatoes and their juices and bring to a simmer, then cook until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.

Return the okra to the skillet and season with salt and pepper. Cover and simmer over low heat until the okra is tender and the sauce is thickened, about 20 minutes. Serve warm or at room temperature.