Sauce Kopè

Sauce Kopè

Sauce Kopè (sohs koh-PEH)

Okra Sauce

Prep Time 40 min
📈 Difficulty Medium
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 288 kcal

A thick, glutinous okra sauce loaded with smoked fish and seasoned with fermented locust beans, delivering umami richness in every spoonful.

Nutrition & Info

290 kcal per serving
Protein 20.0g
Carbs 16.0g
Fat 16.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

gluten-free dairy-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish

Equipment Needed

large pot cutting board wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: soumbara crumble

Accompaniments: placali, foutou banane, rice

Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash and finely chop the okra. The finer the cut, the thicker the sauce.

  2. 2

    Heat palm oil in a pot. Sauté onions until translucent, then add chopped tomatoes. Cook 10 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add the chopped okra and stir well. Cook on medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring frequently.

  4. 4

    Add soumbara, scotch bonnet, bouillon, and salt. Stir and cook 5 minutes.

  5. 5

    Add smoked fish pieces, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until sauce is thick and cohesive.

  6. 6

    Serve hot with placali, foutou, or rice.

💡

Did You Know?

The slimier the okra sauce, the more it is appreciated — Ivorians judge a good sauce kopè by its ability to draw long strings when lifted with a spoon.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • cutting board
  • wooden spoon

Garnishing

soumbara crumble

Accompaniments

placali, foutou banane, rice

The Story Behind Sauce Kopè

Okra has been cultivated in West Africa for thousands of years, and sauce kopè is one of the most traditional preparations in Ivory Coast. Soumbara (fermented locust beans) adds the essential umami flavour that defines this dish.

🕐 Traditionally enjoyed lunch or dinner 📜 Origins: Traditional West African okra cuisine

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