Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Okra soup is beloved for its slimy, thick texture that provides a unique mouthfeel, along with a combination of savory and spicy flavors. It is both healthy and satisfying, packed with vitamins and fiber from the okra and a variety of protein options, depending on what you choose to include. It’s a perfect dish for any occasion and can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Fresh okra (chopped)
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Palm oil
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Meat (beef, goat, or chicken) – optional
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Stockfish or dried fish (optional)
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Fresh or smoked fish (tilapia, mackerel, etc.)
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Ground crayfish
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Ground pepper (or fresh chili peppers)
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Onions (chopped)
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Seasoning cubes or powder
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Salt
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Water
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Spinach or other leafy vegetables (optional)
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Periwinkle (optional)
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Ground pepper (for heat)
Directions
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Wash and chop the okra into small pieces or blend it slightly for a smoother texture.
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If using meat, stockfish, or dried fish, cook them in a pot with water, seasoning cubes, onions, and salt until tender.
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In a separate pan, heat the palm oil and fry the chopped onions and ground pepper for a few minutes until fragrant.
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Add the cooked meat or fish to the frying oil along with the cooked stockfish (if using).
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Stir in the chopped okra and allow it to cook for about 5–10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
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Add the ground crayfish and any additional seasoning, such as salt and seasoning cubes.
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Pour in a little water, depending on your preferred soup consistency, and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
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Optionally, stir in leafy vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.
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Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly, then serve with fufu, pounded yam, rice, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4–6 people and takes about 45–60 minutes to prepare and cook.
Variations
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Vegetarian Okra Soup: Omit meat and fish, and use more vegetables such as spinach or ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves).
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Spicy Okra Soup: Add more fresh chili peppers or use ground scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat.
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Okra Soup with Snail: Add snails for a unique and delicious flavor.
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With Different Meats: You can use any combination of meats such as goat meat, chicken, or beef to enhance the richness of the soup.
Storage/Reheating
Leftover Nigerian Okra Soup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated on the stove over low heat. For longer storage, you can freeze the soup for up to 1 month. If frozen, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen okra for this recipe?
Yes, frozen okra can be used in place of fresh okra. It may alter the texture slightly, but it will still work well.
What is the best way to reduce the slimy texture of okra?
If you prefer a less slimy soup, you can blend the okra or use less of it. Some people also fry it in a little oil before adding it to the soup.
Can I make Okra Soup without palm oil?
Yes, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute, though it will change the traditional flavor of the soup.
Is Okra Soup healthy?
Yes, okra is rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants. It’s also low in calories and provides a good amount of protein when combined with meat or fish.
Can I add more vegetables to the soup?
Absolutely! You can add spinach, ugu, or even bell peppers for more flavor and nutrients.
Can I make Okra Soup in advance?
Yes, Okra Soup can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for longer shelf life.
What can I serve Okra Soup with?
Okra Soup is traditionally served with fufu, pounded yam, or rice, but it can be paired with any starch you prefer.
How do I make my Okra Soup thicker?
To make the soup thicker, simply add more chopped okra or reduce the amount of water you add. The okra will naturally thicken the soup as it cooks.
Can I add periwinkle to Okra Soup?
Yes, periwinkle adds a nice seafood flavor and texture to the soup. It’s a popular addition in some Nigerian regions.
Can I make Okra Soup without meat?
Yes, you can skip the meat and fish and make a vegetarian version of the soup, focusing on the okra and seasonings.
Conclusion
Nigerian Okra Soup is a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that highlights the essence of Nigerian cuisine. Full of texture and flavor, it’s a wonderful meal that pairs well with many traditional starches like fufu or pounded yam. Whether you prefer it with fish, meat, or made entirely vegetarian, Okra Soup is versatile and easy to adjust to your tastes. It’s a great dish to make for family gatherings or any time you want a taste of authentic Nigerian comfort food.
PrintNigerian Okra Soup
Nigerian Okra Soup, also known as ‘Ofe Okra,’ is a rich and flavorful dish made with fresh okra, meats, fish, and a variety of spices. The dish is characterized by its unique, slightly slimy texture and savory, spicy flavors. It’s perfect for pairing with fufu, pounded yam, or rice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Total Time: 65-80 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Nigerian
Ingredients
Fresh okra (chopped)
Palm oil
Meat (beef, goat, or chicken) – optional
Stockfish or dried fish (optional)
Fresh or smoked fish (tilapia, mackerel, etc.)
Ground crayfish
Ground pepper (or fresh chili peppers)
Onions (chopped)
Seasoning cubes or powder
Salt
Water
Spinach or other leafy vegetables (optional)
Periwinkle (optional)
Ground pepper (for heat)
Instructions
- Wash and chop the okra into small pieces or blend it slightly for a smoother texture.
- If using meat, stockfish, or dried fish, cook them in a pot with water, seasoning cubes, onions, and salt until tender.
- In a separate pan, heat the palm oil and fry the chopped onions and ground pepper for a few minutes until fragrant.
- Add the cooked meat or fish to the frying oil along with the cooked stockfish (if using).
- Stir in the chopped okra and allow it to cook for about 5–10 minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add the ground crayfish and any additional seasoning, such as salt and seasoning cubes.
- Pour in a little water, depending on your preferred soup consistency, and allow the soup to simmer for an additional 5 minutes.
- Optionally, stir in leafy vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.
- Taste for seasoning and adjust accordingly, then serve with fufu, pounded yam, rice, or any other accompaniment of your choice.
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: Omit meat and fish, using more vegetables such as spinach or ugu (fluted pumpkin leaves).
- Spicy Okra Soup: Add more fresh chili peppers or use ground scotch bonnet pepper for extra heat.
- Okra Soup with Snail: Add snails for a unique and delicious flavor.
- With Different Meats: You can use any combination of meats such as goat meat, chicken, or beef to enhance the richness of the soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
