Okra and Stewed Tomato Pirlau

By sunriseko

Southern Low Country Dish

Ingredients

• 1 T. olive oil
• 3 oz slab bacon, cut into 1/4 inch dice
• 1 C. sweet onion, diced
• 1/2 c. red bell pepper, diced
• 1 garlic clove, chopped fine
• 2 sprigs thyme
• 2 bay leaves
• 14 oz. can tomatoes, chopped
• 2 1/2 c. water
• Kosher salt
• 2 c. okra, sliced 1/2 in thick
• 1 c. basmati rice
• black pepper
• fresh basicl leaves, torn or sliced for garnish

Preparation

Step 1

1. Saute bacon in olive oil until soft but not crisp, about 2 minutes. Remove bacon and set aside.
2. Stir onion and pepper into pot. Cook over medium-low heat until soft, about 8 minutes. Add garlic, thyme and bay leaves. Cook until fragrant but not colored. 1-2 minutes.
3. Stir in tomatoes and their juices, water and a pinch of salt. Increase heat and bring to a simmer. Stir while roughly smashing tomatoes.
4. Add okra and rice. Stir, cover and cook at a gentle simmer until rice is tender, about 15 min. Add extra splashes of water as needed.
5. Season with pepper and salt, to tsste. Stir in reserved bacon. To serve, garnish each plate with basil ribbons and ham.