Okra Pilaf

Okra Pilaf is one of those dishes that just brings the comfort of home cooking to the table. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made this during those lazy weekends when I want something hearty but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. With its crispy bacon, tender okra, and fluffy rice, it’s a dish that’s not only delicious but also super satisfying.

It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone feel welcome, whether you’re having a casual family dinner or a friendly get-together. Trust me, this Okra Pilaf has a way of disappearing faster than a cold beer in July. Plus, it’s all made in one skillet, which means less cleanup-always a win in my book!

So, grab your favorite apron, and let’s get cooking this easy and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First off, the flavor in this Okra Pilaf is off the charts. The combination of smoky bacon and the slightly sweet, earthy notes of okra creates a perfect harmony. And let’s not forget about the Cajun seasoning that kicks things up a notch-trust me, it just adds that little bit of magic that brings everything together.

Another reason you’ll adore this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a meal that feels fancy without all the fuss. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is forgiving and straightforward, making it perfect for any skill level.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser! Serve it at a family gathering, and watch as everyone digs in and goes back for seconds. You’ll be the star of the kitchen, and I can guarantee you’ll get requests for the recipe!

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

To make this delicious Okra Pilaf, you’ll need some straightforward ingredients. Start with 2 cups of sliced okra. If you’re using frozen okra, just make sure to thaw it out beforehand.

Then we’ve got 8 strips of bacon-because let’s face it, bacon makes everything better. You’ll also need a chopped half bell pepper and a small yellow onion to add some sweetness and crunch.

Now, let’s talk rice. We’re using 1 cup of long grain rice here, which cooks up beautifully and absorbs all those delicious flavors. You’ll also need 2 cups of chicken broth to help that rice fluff up and become tender.

And don’t forget the Cajun seasoning, along with some salt and pepper to taste-these will really elevate the dish.

As for tools, you’ll just need a large skillet and a slotted spoon. Easy peasy, right? Let’s get ready to make some magic!

How To Make It

Alright, now we’re diving into the good stuff-making this Okra Pilaf! It’s all about layering flavors and cooking with love. We’ll start with some prep work, then move into the cooking phase.

Preparation

First things first, chop up your bacon, onion, and bell pepper. The bacon should be in nice, bite-sized pieces, while the onion and bell pepper can be chopped into small bits for even cooking. If you’re using fresh okra, slice it up so it’s ready to go.

Once everything’s prepped and laid out, it’s time to get that skillet heated up. You want it nice and warm before you add the bacon. This way, it’ll crisp up beautifully.

Make sure to have your chicken broth ready to go so you can pour it in when the time comes.

Cooking

Now, let’s get cooking! Start by browning the chopped bacon in your skillet over medium heat. You want it nice and crispy-nothing worse than soggy bacon, am I right?

Once it’s golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove it from the skillet. You’ll want to reserve about 2 tablespoons of that delicious bacon grease because it’s going to add a ton of flavor.

Next, toss in the chopped onion and bell pepper into that flavorful grease. Sauté these for a few minutes until they become tender and start to smell amazing. You’ll see why this step is crucial-it’s where the base flavor begins.

Then, stir in the sliced okra and rice, cooking for about 1-2 minutes. This toasts the rice just a bit and adds depth to the dish. Now, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste.

Pour in the chicken broth, and bring everything to a gentle simmer.

Cover the skillet and let it cook for about 15 minutes. You’ll want to check it occasionally to make sure the rice is tender and has absorbed all that goodness. Once it’s done, return the crispy bacon to the skillet and give it a good stir to combine everything.

Serve warm, and prepare yourself for a flavor explosion!

Serving & Variations

Serving this Okra Pilaf is a breeze. You can dish it up as a stand-alone meal or pair it with some grilled chicken or fish for a heartier feast. It goes great with a side salad or some cornbread if you want to add a little Southern flair to your meal.

Feeling adventurous? You can switch things up by adding some cooked shrimp or sausage for an extra protein boost. And if you want to make it vegetarian, just skip the bacon and use olive oil to sauté the veggies-still delicious!

Leftovers? They store beautifully in the fridge for a couple of days. Just reheat them in a skillet with a splash of broth to keep it moist.

You’ll find that the flavors only get better as they meld together!

Wrapping Up

So there you have it! A simple, delicious, and comforting Okra Pilaf that’s perfect for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and enjoy all the flavors it brings to your table.

Recipe created by Cookin’ with Babe for Trust Me Try It.

Okra Pilaf

Print Pin Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes minutes

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 cups sliced okra (if frozen, thaw)
• 8 strips bacon (chopped)
• 1/2 bell pepper (chopped)
• small yellow onion (chopped)
• 1 cup long grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
• Salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

• Brown the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp.
• Using a slotted spoon, remove the bacon and set aside, reserving 2 tablespoons of the bacon grease in the skillet.
• Add the onion and bell pepper to the skillet and sauté until tender.
• Stir in the okra and rice, cooking for 1-2 minutes to lightly toast the rice.
• Add the seasonings and broth, then bring to a simmer.
• Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender.
• Return the bacon to the skillet and stir to combine.
• Serve warm.