Learn how to make Okra Soup step by step in this powerful Nigerian recipe guide. Discover authentic ingredients, nutrition facts, expert tips, FAQs, and serving ideas for this comforting dish.
Introducing the Okra Soup Recipe📢
Okra Soup is one of Nigeria’s most cherished comfort foods, enjoyed across various regions for its unique texture, savoury flavours, and rich nutritional benefits. If you’ve been curious about how to make Okra Soup, you’re in the right place. This recipe guide will walk you through every detail — from ingredients to equipment, tips, and even nutritional breakdown — so you can prepare a flavorful pot of this traditional soup at home.
Whether you’re cooking for family, guests, or yourself, learning how to make Okra Soup is a skill that will serve you well. Its versatility, quick cooking time, and compatibility with Nigerian staples like pounded yam, eba, or rice make it an unforgettable dish.
Table of Contents
Why Okra Soup is Special 💚
Okra Soup isn’t just food — it’s culture on a plate. The natural viscosity of okra gives the soup its signature texture, while the blend of palm oil, protein, spices, and leafy greens makes it deeply nourishing. Learning how to make Okra Soup allows you to explore both its culinary and cultural significance.
Ingredients for Okra Soup Recipe🥦
Here’s a complete list of Okra Soup ingredients:
- 400g fresh okra (finely chopped or grated)
- 500g assorted meat (goat meat, beef, or chicken)
- 200g stockfish and dried fish (optional, but authentic)
- 200g fresh or smoked fish
- 1 cup palm oil
- 2 tbsp ground crayfish
- 2 tbsp ground pepper or blended fresh pepper
- 2 seasoning cubes (Maggi or Knorr)
- 1 onion (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- 2 cups leafy vegetables (ugu/fluted pumpkin or spinach)
- Water or meat stock
Equipment Needed🥘
Before you begin, gather the following kitchen tools:
- Large cooking pot
- Sharp knife & chopping board
- Wooden spoon
- Blender or grater (for pepper and crayfish)
- Measuring spoons
- Serving bowls
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Make Okra Soup🍲
Step 1: Prepare the proteins
- Wash your assorted meats, season with salt, chopped onion, seasoning cubes, and pepper.
- Boil until tender. Add stockfish and dried fish midway so they soften.
Step 2: Prepare the okra
- Wash and chop okra finely. For extra slime, grate half of the okra instead of chopping. This is what makes Authentic Okra Soup silky and smooth.
Step 3: Cook the soup base
- In a large pot, heat palm oil gently.
- Add chopped onions and stir-fry for 1–2 minutes.
- Add blended pepper, crayfish, and allow to cook for 5 minutes until aromatic.
Step 4: Add proteins and stock
- Pour in your boiled meats, stockfish, and stock. Stir well.
- Add fresh or smoked fish carefully so it doesn’t break apart.
Step 5: Incorporate the okra
- Add grated/chopped okra gradually, stirring continuously to activate its slimy texture.
- Simmer for 5–7 minutes, but don’t overcook to preserve nutrients.
Step 6: Add vegetables
- Finally, stir in fluted pumpkin leaves or spinach. Cook for 2 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Congratulations 🎉 — you’ve just mastered how to make Okra Soup the authentic Nigerian way!
Your Okra Soup is ready to enjoy! 
Okra Soup served with swallow
Expert Tips for the Best Okra Soup ✨
- Don’t overcook okra — it loses its nutrients and unique texture.
- Palm oil matters — use high-quality palm oil for authentic flavour.
- Balance proteins — mix assorted meats, fish, and crayfish for depth.
- Grating is key — grated okra enhances the sliminess.
- Serve hot — Okra Soup is best enjoyed fresh and warm.
Okra Soup
Ingredients
- 1 kg Okra Vegetable Slice half and mince half (use blender).
- 1 Habanero Pepper Red
- 1 Red Bell pepper
- 1 Red Onion Minced
- 1kg Animal Protein
- 0.5 kg Shirimps
- 1 Dry catfish or mangala fish Use the one that is available or any dry fish
- 1 lb Vegetable You can use any vegetable of your choice.
- 3 tbsp Locust bean (Ogiri or Iru)
- 3 Cooking Spoon of Palm oil
- 2 Cubes seaoning or seasoning powder
- 3-5 Cups water
Instructions
- Boil animal protein with salt, seasoning powder, and onions until tender.
- While boiling the animal protein, halve the okra, then pulse it in a food processor with habanero, onion, and fresh ginger to your desired consistency. Set aside.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the remaining half into small, uniform pieces until finely chopped. Once done, transfer it to a separate container and keep it aside for future use.
- Heat broth in medium heat until boiling. Add dried catfish and cook uncovered until tender. Remove the fish, and separate its head to eliminate bones, leaving only the flesh.
- After the meat becomes tender, add onions, minced pepper, locust bean, crayfish, and palm oil. Cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- If you are making okra soup without oil, please skip palm oil at this age.
- Begin by adding fresh, succulent shrimp to the pot, along with rich, flavorful palm oil. Next, sprinkle in some finely minced and sliced okra, allowing the ingredients to blend together in a harmonious union. As the mixture simmers on the stove, carefully monitor the cooking time, adjusting it to your liking. Whether you prefer your okra to be slightly crunchy or melt-in-your-mouth tender, this delicious dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
- Add chopped vegetables to the heated pot, such as spinach,pumpkin leaf, or any green vegetable. Stir the vegetables continuously untilthey become soft and wilted. This should take about 2-3 minutes, depending onthe type of vegetables used. If you are using a firm or dried vegetable, itmight take longer.
- Of the heat, empty the soup in a cool bowl and serve.
Notes
- You can serve Okra soup with any swallow. You can select from garri, fufu, semo, amala, etc. Some even prefer eating Okra stew with rice.
- Preparing the ingredients beforehand is essential to ensure the soup cooks appropriately, as the cooking process will be fast-paced.
- Be careful not to overcook the greens and okra, which can alter their colour.
- If you prefer the slimy texture of okra soup, avoid covering the pot entirely after adding the okra, as this will prevent the desired consistency.
Nutritional Information (Approx. per Serving)🥗
Health Benefits of Okra Soup🧑🏽⚕️
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 18g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Carbohydrates | 20g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Vitamin C | 35% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Source: Nutritionix – Okra Soup Nutrition↗
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)💡
1. Can I make Okra Soup without palm oil?
👉Yes! Simply substitute with vegetable oil for a lighter, healthier option.
2. How do I store Okra Soup?
👉Okra Soup can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 weeks. Reheat gently to retain its texture.
3. Can I add seafood to Okra Soup?
👉Absolutely. Fresh prawns or periwinkles are popular add-ins.
4. Why is my Okra Soup too watery?
👉Too much water or undercooked okra can cause this. Allow it to simmer for a longer period to thicken.
5. What is the best swallow for Okra Soup?
👉Pounded yam is the most traditional pairing, but fufu, eba, and semolina are equally delicious.
Final Thoughts 🌟
Now that you’ve learned how to make Okra Soup, you’re ready to create one of Nigeria’s most comforting dishes in your own kitchen. This flavorful, nutrient-rich soup is not only easy to prepare but also versatile and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re hosting guests or enjoying a quiet family meal, Authentic Okra Soup will always bring warmth and connection to the table.
So, grab your ingredients and cooking pot — and let your culinary journey begin today! 🥰
If you enjoyed reading this article, you might also like to check out the following Nigerian recipes.
How to make egusi soup (boiled method)
How to make egusi soup (Moulded method)
How to make egusi soup (fried method)
How to make bitterleaf soup
How to make fisherman’s soup
How to make ofe Owerri soup
How to make oha soup (ofe oha)
How to make ogbono soup (ofe ogbono)
How to make seafood okra
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