Best Easy Okra Soup Recipe Nigerian
Okra soup is a popular Nigerian dish that is loved for its rich flavor and unique texture. This delicious soup is made from okra, a green vegetable that is slimy when cooked. It is usually served with swallow, a type of Nigerian fufu made from cassava, yam, or plantain. If you’re a fan of Nigerian cuisine or looking to try something new, this easy okra soup recipe is perfect for you.
Ingredients:
– 500g fresh okra, chopped
– 1kg assorted meat (beef, chicken, or goat meat)
– 1 cup palm oil
– 2 cups stock or water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 red bell peppers, chopped
– 2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
– 3 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons ground crayfish
– 2 stock cubes
– Salt to taste
– 1 teaspoon dried fish powder (optional)
– 1 teaspoon ground ogiri (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a pot, boil the assorted meat with some salt and stock cubes until tender. This will create a flavorful base for the soup.
2. In a separate pot, heat the palm oil on medium heat. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent.
3. Add the chopped red bell peppers and scotch bonnet peppers to the pot. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until they soften.
4. Add the stock or water to the pot and bring to a simmer.
5. Add the chopped okra to the pot and stir. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the okra becomes tender.
6. Add the boiled assorted meat to the pot along with the stock. Stir well and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
7. Stir in the ground crayfish, dried fish powder, and ground ogiri (if using). These ingredients will add depth of flavor to the soup.
8. Season with salt and stock cubes according to your taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. Let the soup simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
10. Serve the okra soup hot with your choice of swallow. Enjoy!
Now, let’s answer some common questions about this delicious Nigerian okra soup.
1. Can I use frozen okra instead of fresh okra?
Yes, you can use frozen okra if fresh okra is not available. Just make sure to thaw it before adding it to the pot.
2. Can I use vegetable oil instead of palm oil?
Palm oil is traditional in Nigerian okra soup, but if you don’t have it, you can substitute with vegetable oil. However, palm oil adds a distinct flavor to the soup.
3. What can I use as a substitute for ogiri?
If you can’t find ogiri, you can use fermented locust beans or skip it altogether. It adds a unique flavor, but the soup will still taste delicious without it.
4. Can I add other vegetables to this soup?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as spinach or bitter leaf to the soup for added nutrition and flavor.
5. How long does the soup stay fresh?
The soup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it before serving.
6. Can I make this soup vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the assorted meat and use vegetable stock instead. The soup will still be flavorful and delicious.
7. Can I freeze okra soup?
Yes, you can freeze okra soup for up to 3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers.
8. What type of swallow goes best with okra soup?
Traditionally, okra soup is served with fufu, which is made from cassava, yam, or plantain. Choose your favorite type of fufu to accompany this soup.
9. Can I make this soup spicy?
Yes, you can adjust the spiciness of the soup by adding more or fewer scotch bonnet peppers. If you prefer a milder version, you can remove the seeds from the peppers before chopping them.
Okra soup is a delicious and nutritious Nigerian dish that is easy to make. With this simple recipe, you can enjoy the flavors of Nigeria in the comfort of your own home. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking!