This Southern Okra Hash with Tahini Aioli combines traditional Southern comfort food with Middle Eastern flavors for an unforgettable meal. This versatile dish features crispy potatoes, tender okra, and sweet red bell peppers, all topped with a creamy tahini aioli and a perfectly fried egg.
What Makes This Southern Okra Hash Special
Okra, a beloved Southern ingredient, adds unique flavor and texture to this hash. The key to perfect okra is blanching it first, which eliminates the notorious sliminess while preserving its tender bite and distinctive taste. The base of crispy potatoes provides satisfying heartiness, while sautéed red bell peppers and onions introduce sweetness and vibrant color that balances the savory elements of the dish.
The Secret Ingredient: Tahini Aioli
The tahini aioli elevates this Southern hash to new heights. Made from ground sesame seeds, tahini contributes a rich nuttiness, while garlic and lemon juice add brightness and acidity. This Middle Eastern-inspired sauce creates a surprising yet perfect complement to the traditional Southern ingredients.
This fusion element bridges different culinary traditions beautifully. The creamy aioli contrasts wonderfully with the crispy potatoes and tender okra, creating a complex texture profile and flavor experience that will delight anyone who enjoys creative fusion cooking.
The Perfect Finishing Touch
A fried egg crowns this magnificent hash, adding luxurious richness and transforming it into a complete meal. Whether sunny-side up or over-easy, the runny yolk mingles with the tahini aioli to create a silky sauce that coats every bite of the hash.
Southern Okra Hash with Tahini Aioli works perfectly for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Its satisfying combination of textures and flavors makes it filling yet balanced—ideal for whenever you crave something uniquely delicious that bridges Southern tradition with global inspiration.
Fresh chopped parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese finish the dish, adding brightness and a savory note. The parsley contributes a fresh, herby element, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, salty kick that perfectly rounds out the flavors.
By blending Southern comfort food staples with Middle Eastern influences, this dish exemplifies modern fusion cuisine at its best. It’s bold, hearty, and layered with flavor, offering a fresh take on traditional Southern cooking while introducing exciting global elements. Whether you’re a Southern food enthusiast or an adventurous eater seeking new flavor combinations, this Southern-inspired hash will leave you reaching for seconds.
Southern Skillet Okra Hash with Tahini Aioli
4
servings15
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minutesThis Southern Okra Hash with Tahini Aioli combines crispy potatoes, tender okra, and sweet red bell peppers, topped with a fried egg and drizzled with creamy tahini aioli. This fusion dish blends Southern comfort with bold Middle Eastern flavors for a hearty and unique meal.
Ingredients
- For the Hash:
1 pound okra, sliced into 1/2″ rounds
2 large potatoes, diced
1 large red bell pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon paprika
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for serving, fried eggs
for garnish, freshly chopped parsley
for garnish, grated Parmesan cheese
- For the Tahini Aioli:
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon honey
as needed, water
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
Directions
- Prepare the Tahini Aioli:
Whisk together the tahini, mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and honey. Gradually add water until the sauce reaches a smooth, drizzle-able consistency. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. - Blanch the Okra:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the okra for 3 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Potatoes:
Heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the diced potatoes and cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove and set aside. - Sauté the Vegetables:
Add the remaining tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the skillet. Add the onion, red bell pepper, and blanched okra. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened. Season with paprika, salt, and ground black pepper. - Combine:
Add the cooked potatoes back into the skillet with the vegetables. Toss to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes to let the flavors meld. - Fry the Eggs:
In a separate skillet, fry the eggs to your liking. Sunny-side up or over-easy works well. - Assemble:
Plate the okra hash, top with a fried egg, and drizzle with tahini aioli. Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Hoppin’ John Breakfast Hash
If you’re into Southern flavors with a twist, you’ll want to check out this Hoppin’ Johnny Breakfast Hash next. It leans fully into the smoky, savory side—black-eyed peas, crispy bacon, and bold spices, all topped with soft scrambled eggs and melty cheese. Think of it as the richer, spicier cousin to this okra hash—same Southern roots, totally different vibe.
