Nigeria Okro Soup Recipe
Okro soup, also known as okra soup, is a beloved dish in Nigeria, known for its unique texture and rich flavor. It is often served with fufu, pounded yam, or rice. Here’s a simple and delicious recipe to prepare Nigerian okro soup.
Ingredients
- Fresh Okra: 500g (about 2 cups), sliced
- Meat: 500g (beef, goat, or chicken), cut into bite-sized pieces
- Stockfish: 100g (optional), pre-soaked and cut into pieces
- Dried Fish: 100g (optional), cleaned and deboned
- Palm Oil: 1 cup
- Ground Crayfish: 2 tablespoons
- Ground Pepper: 1-2 teaspoons (to taste)
- Seasoning Cubes: 2-3 (e.g., Maggi or Knorr)
- Salt: to taste
- Water: as needed
- Vegetables: 1 cup (spinach, bitter leaf, or any leafy green of your choice)
- Onion: 1 medium, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Meat: In a large pot, add the meat, stockfish, and dried fish (if using). Season with salt, one seasoning cube, and chopped onions (if using). Add enough water to cover the meat and cook until tender, about 30-45 minutes, depending on the type of meat.
- Add Palm Oil: Once the meat is tender, add the palm oil to the pot. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to infuse the flavor.
- Incorporate Okra: Add the sliced okra to the pot. Stir well to combine and allow it to cook for about 5-10 minutes. The okra will release its natural mucilage, giving the soup its characteristic texture.
- Season the Soup: Add the ground crayfish, ground pepper, and remaining seasoning cubes. Stir well and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add Vegetables: Finally, add your choice of leafy greens (like spinach or bitter leaf) to the soup. Stir and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve hot with fufu, pounded yam, or rice.
- For a richer flavor, you can add a bit of ground locust bean (iru) to the soup.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the thickness of the soup by adding more or less water, depending on your preference.
- You can also include other proteins like shrimp or snails for added flavor.
Enjoy your delicious Nigerian okro soup!