She Strengthens

Vibrant Cajun Delight: Maque Choux with a Twist

Get ready to indulge in a flavorful and refreshing twist on the classic Cajun dish, maque choux! This vibrant recipe combines the sweetness of corn with the crunch of crispy okra, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce.

The Perfect Summer Side Dish

Maque choux is a staple of Cajun cuisine, typically made with stewed corn and vegetables. Our version adds a few surprise elements to elevate this dish to new heights. With the addition of crispy fried okra and a hint of smokiness from the bacon, this maque choux is sure to become a summer favorite.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:

• 4 ounces of bacon, diced
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/2 pound of fresh okra, sliced into coins
• 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 medium garlic clove, minced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoons of fresh thyme leaves
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• 3 cups of fresh corn kernels
• 1/4 cup of heavy cream
• 2 medium scallions, thinly sliced

Let’s Get Cooking!

Begin by cooking the diced bacon in a large frying pan over medium-high heat until crispy and golden brown. Remove the bacon from the pan and set it aside on a paper-towel-lined plate.

Next, add the vegetable oil to the pan and heat it until shimmering. Add the sliced okra and cook until it starts to brown around the edges, about 5 minutes. Remove the okra from the pan and add it to the plate with the bacon.

Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced bell pepper, onion, garlic, jalapeño, thyme, and cayenne to the pan. Cook until the onion is softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the corn kernels and cook until they’re crisp-tender, about 5-8 minutes.

The Finishing Touches

Stir in the heavy cream and cook until it’s almost completely absorbed, about 1 minute. Remove the pan from the heat and add the reserved bacon and okra, along with the thinly sliced scallions. Stir everything together, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, and serve immediately.

This vibrant maque choux is the perfect side dish for your summer gatherings. Serve it alongside some Chile-Roasted Shrimp or Wild Rice Jambalaya for a truly unforgettable meal!