Welcome to our culinary refuge, where we take pride in sharing delicious recipes and culinary knowledge to help you become a better cook. We set out on a tour today to enjoy the sumptuous flavors of an adored classic: Okra soup. This hearty soup, a beloved meal in many cultures, mixes the earthy deliciousness of okra with a variety of mouthwatering ingredients to produce a symphony of flavors that will warm your soul.
Okra Soup, a dish from West Africa, is well known for its straightforward but profound ingredients. Our traditional recipe delivers a healthy and cozy experience that will whisk you away to the origins of Africa’s culinary heritage. Join us on this culinary journey as we examine the secrets behind this dish’s rich flavor profile and uncover techniques for enhancing it. This Okra Soup recipe promises to be a delicious addition to your culinary repertoire, whether you’re an experienced cook or an inquisitive food enthusiast. Let’s start now!
INGREDIENTS
- 500 gram fresh okra pods, sliced into thin rounds
- 400 gram skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (you can also use beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons palm oil (substitute with vegetable oil if unavailable)
- 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped spinach or bitter leaf (substitute with kale or collard greens if preferred)
INSTRUCTIONS
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
Trim the ends and carefully wash the new okra pods. Okra should be cut into thin rounds and put aside. As the soup cooks, this will assist in thickening it.Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
The palm oil (or vegetable oil) should be heated in a sizable pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, and cook them until they are transparent and fragrant.Step 3: Add the Protein
Sliced chicken or another protein of your choice should be added to the pot and cooked until only faintly browned on all sides. This will add flavorful tastes to the soup.Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Spices
Add the diced tomatoes, ground crayfish (if using), salt, pepper, ground cayenne pepper, dry thyme, and ground coriander. Cooking the mixture for a few minutes will cause the tomatoes to soften and the spices’ flavor to release.Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Put the chicken or vegetable broth in the pot and gently boil the mixture. For about 15-20 minutes, turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer to let the flavors melt together delightfully.Step 6: Add the Okra and Greens
Sliced okra and chopped spinach (or bitter leaf) should be added to the stew slowly. Make sure the okra is dispersed evenly throughout the soup by stirring everything together.Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
Once the okra is soft and the flavors are well-balanced, simmer the okra soup for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on the pot.Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
After tasting the soup, taste the spice and make any necessary adjustments. As needed, increase the amount of salt, pepper, or spices.Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Before serving, turn off the heat and let the food sit for a while. For an extra freshness boost, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. To round out your delicious meal, serve the okra soup with a side of fluffy rice or crusty toast.
Okra Soup
Equipment
- Large pot
- Cutting board and knife:
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cooking Utensils
- Serving Ladle
- Bowls and Plates
- Optional Blender or Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 500 gram fresh okra pods, sliced into thin rounds
- 400 gram skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces (you can also use beef, shrimp, or tofu as alternatives)
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 medium-sized ripe tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tablespoons palm oil (substitute with vegetable oil if unavailable)
- 1 liter chicken or vegetable broth (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish (optional but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups chopped spinach or bitter leaf (substitute with kale or collard greens if preferred)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Okra
- Trim the ends and carefully wash the new okra pods. Okra should be cut into thin rounds and put aside. As the soup cooks, this will assist in thickening it.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
- The palm oil (or vegetable oil) should be heated in a sizable pot over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onions, and cook them until they are transparent and fragrant.
Step 3: Add the Protein
- Sliced chicken or another protein of your choice should be added to the pot and cooked until only faintly browned on all sides. This will add flavorful tastes to the soup.
Step 4: Incorporate the Tomatoes and Spices
- Add the diced tomatoes, ground crayfish (if using), salt, pepper, ground cayenne pepper, dry thyme, and ground coriander. Cooking the mixture for a few minutes will cause the tomatoes to soften and the spices' flavor to release.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
- Put the chicken or vegetable broth in the pot and gently boil the mixture. For about 15-20 minutes, turn down the heat and let the mixture simmer to let the flavors melt together delightfully.
Step 6: Add the Okra and Greens
- Sliced okra and chopped spinach (or bitter leaf) should be added to the stew slowly. Make sure the okra is dispersed evenly throughout the soup by stirring everything together.
Step 7: Simmer to Perfection
- Once the okra is soft and the flavors are well-balanced, simmer the okra soup for an additional 10-15 minutes with the lid on the pot.
Step 8: Adjust Seasoning
- After tasting the soup, taste the spice and make any necessary adjustments. As needed, increase the amount of salt, pepper, or spices.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
- Before serving, turn off the heat and let the food sit for a while. For an extra freshness boost, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. To round out your delicious meal, serve the okra soup with a side of fluffy rice or crusty toast.
Video
Nutrition Fact –
Note: The following nutritional values are approximate and can vary depending on the specific brands and measurements used. The values are based on a serving size of approximately one cup of Okra Soup.
Calories: ~150-200 kcal
Protein: ~15-20g
Carbohydrates: ~10-15g
- Sugars: ~2-5g
- Dietary Fiber: ~3-5g Fat: ~7-10g
- Saturated Fat: ~1-3g
- Monounsaturated Fat: ~2-4g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: ~1-2g
- Cholesterol: ~20-40mg
- Sodium: ~500-800mg
- Potassium: ~400-600mg
- Vitamin A: ~1000-1500 IU
- Vitamin C: ~20-30mg
- Calcium: ~50-100mg
- Iron: ~2-4mg
Frequently Asked Questions:
Question: “What is Okra Soup?”
In addition to fresh okra pods, okra soup also contains a variety of other tasty and healthy ingredients, including meat (chicken, beef, shrimp), tofu, tomatoes, onions, and spices. It is a well-liked dish in many different cuisines around the world and is renowned for both its health advantages and for having a thick and creamy texture.
Question: “How do I make Okra Soup from scratch?”
The process of making homemade okra soup is simple and satisfying. Okra pods should first be cleaned and thinly sliced. Onions and garlic should then be sautéed before being combined with your preferred protein (chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu). Add broth, spices, and chopped tomatoes, and cook until the flavors combine. Finally, add the greens and okra, and cook the soup for the desired amount of time.
Question: “What are the health benefits of Okra Soup?”
In addition to being a wonderful dish, okra soup has a number of health advantages. Okra is a good source of fiber, vitamins A, C, and K, and minerals calcium, iron, and potassium, which help with bone health, digestion, and immunity. The protein in the selected meat or tofu also increases the nutritional value of the dish.
Question: “Is Okra Soup suitable for vegetarians/vegans?”
By substituting plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for the meat, okra soup may be simply made vegetarian or vegan. To completely veganize it, substitute vegetable broth for the chicken stock.
Question: “What are some variations of Okra Soup?”
Okra Soup is available in a variety of regional varieties. For instance, it is called “Gumbo” in West African cooking and frequently contains seafood like shrimp and crab. “Bhindi Masala” is an Indian dish that includes cumin and turmeric as ingredients. Your culinary experience can become more diverse by exploring these options.
Question: “What are some tips for making the perfect Okra Soup?”
Choosing fresh and soft okra, making sure the meat is well-marinated for flavor, using high-quality spices, and letting the soup simmer slowly to generate rich flavors are all things to keep in mind when making the ultimate okra soup.
