Introducing the Okra Soup Recipe📢
Okra Soup Recipe is one of the most beloved traditional dishes across West Africa, especially in Nigeria. Known for its rich, slimy texture and nutrient-packed ingredients, this soup is both delicious and highly nourishing. Okra soup can be enjoyed with various swallow options like pounded yam, fufu, eba, or semolina, making it a versatile dish for family dinners and festive occasions.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Okra Soup Recipe – from ingredients, equipment, nutritional value, cooking steps, and expert tips, to frequently asked questions.
Table of Contents
While growing up, I witnessed two types of Okra (Okra soup) preparations: one made with palm oil and the other without oil. Both cooking methods are the same, but the only difference is that you add oil to one and cook the other without it.
Ingredients for Okra Soup Recipe🥦
- 400g fresh okra (finely chopped or blended)
- 500g assorted meat (beef, goat meat, or cow tripe)
- 200g stockfish (pre-soaked)
- 1 medium-sized dried fish
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
- 2–3 scotch bonnet peppers (blended)
- ½ cup palm oil
- 1 medium onion (chopped)
- 2 seasoning cubes
- 2 tablespoons ground pepper
- 1 bunch ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves) or spinach
- Salt to taste
- 4 cups of meat stock or water
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: How to Make Okra Soup Recipe🍲
Step 1: Prepare the Proteins
- Wash and season your assorted meat with onions, seasoning cubes, and salt.
- Cook until tender, adding stockfish midway. Set aside the broth.
Step 2: Cook the Base
- Heat palm oil in a pot, then add chopped onions and blended peppers.
- Fry gently until aromatic, then add crayfish and stir.
Step 3: Add Meat & Stock
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Add the cooked meat, stockfish, dried fish, and broth. Allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Add the Okra
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Stir in the finely chopped or blended okra. Mix continuously to activate its natural sliminess.
Step 5: Add Vegetables
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Add ugu (or spinach) towards the end of cooking. Simmer for 3–5 minutes without overcooking.
Step 6: Taste & Serve
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Adjust seasoning and serve hot with your favourite swallow: pounded yam, eba, fufu, or semolina.
Okra Soup served with swallow
Tips for the Perfect Okra Soup Recipe💡
- Use fresh okra for the best slimy texture.
- Avoid overcooking vegetables to retain nutrients.
- Stockfish adds a rich, authentic Nigerian flavour.
- Palm oil should be moderate—too much can overpower the soup.
- For a spicier version, increase scotch bonnet peppers.
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)🥗
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 5g
- Vitamin C: 36% DV
- Iron: 15% DV
(Source: Fat Secret↗)
Health Benefits of Okra Soup🧑🏽⚕️
- Digestive Health↗: The high fiber content helps to regulate digestion and prevent constipation.
- Heart Health: The nutrients in okra, including fiber and potassium, contribute to cardiovascular health by regulating blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
- Blood Sugar Control: Okra may help stabilize blood sugar levels, making it beneficial for those with diabetes.
- Weight Management: Low in calories and high in fiber, okra can aid in weight loss by promoting satiety.
- Immune Support: The vitamin C content strengthens the immune system and enhances the body’s ability to fight infections.
- Skin Health: The antioxidants and vitamins found in okra can promote healthy skin and may help reduce the signs of ageing.
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 longer 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.
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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