She Strengthens

Savory Delights: Bacon Jam and Charred Okra

A Flavorful Combination

Top Chef finalist Kevin Gillespie’s recipe for bacon jam is a game-changer. By braising bacon with onion, brown sugar, chicken broth, and Espelette pepper, then blending it into a sweet-savory jam, he creates a mouthwatering condiment. Pair it with charred okra, and you’ll have a dish that’s sure to impress.

The Star of the Show: Piment d’Espelette

Piment d’Espelette, France’s only native pepper, is a key ingredient in this recipe. With its nice heat and distinct flavor, it’s worth seeking out at a gourmet grocery or online. If you can’t find it, hot paprika makes a suitable substitute.

Planning Ahead

The bacon jam can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 weeks. Simply reheat it before using. This recipe yields 4 servings and takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes to prepare.

Bacon Jam Ingredients

• 8 ounces thick-cut bacon, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1/4 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
• 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground piment d’Espelette
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Okra Ingredients

• 12 ounces fresh okra
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt

Bacon Jam Instructions

1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until the fat has rendered and the bacon is starting to brown.
2. Add the onion and cook until browned, then add the sugar and stir to combine.
3. Gradually add the chicken broth, honey, Espelette, salt, and black pepper, stirring occasionally.
4. Blend the mixture until smooth, then return it to the pot and cook until reduced to about 1 1/2 cups.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the butter.

Okra Instructions

1. Trim the stems from the okra and cut each pod in half lengthwise.
2. Heat a cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot.
3. Add the okra in batches, searing until charred on the bottom, then flipping to cook until crisp-tender.
4. Remove the okra from the pan and add 1/2 cup of the bacon jam to the pan.
5. Stir to combine, then immediately transfer to a serving dish.

Assembly and Serving

Toss the charred okra with the bacon jam and serve immediately. You can also use the leftover bacon jam on toast, biscuits, or as a topping for meatloaf or egg salads.