Baked Okra in Tomato Sauce
A healthy and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish, this baked okra in tomato sauce combines tender okra with a rich, spiced tomato base, perfect as a side or light main course.
- Author: sarra
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegan
- 500g fresh okra, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 400g canned chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent.
- Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Meanwhile, toss the okra with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
- Spread the okra in a baking dish and pour the tomato sauce evenly over the top.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes until the okra is tender and slightly golden on top.
- Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen okra—if using frozen, thaw and pat dry before baking.
- Adjust spices according to taste.
- Great served with rice or crusty bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: okra, tomato sauce, baked okra, Mediterranean, vegan side dish