Okra Soup

Okra Soup

Okra Soup (OH-krah soop)

Okra Stew

Prep Time 40 min
📈 Difficulty Easy
👥 Servings
6
🔥 Calories 394 kcal

A thick, slimy soup of finely chopped okra cooked with palm oil, dried fish, and crayfish, prized for its silky texture and deep savory flavor.

Nutrition & Info

380 kcal per serving
Protein 22.0g
Carbs 18.0g
Fat 26.0g
Protein Carbs Fat

Dietary

dairy-free gluten-free nut-free

Allergen Warnings

⚠ fish ⚠ shellfish

Equipment Needed

large pot knife wooden spoon

Presentation Guide

Vessel: deep bowl

Garnishes: palm oil drizzle

Accompaniments: steamed rice, fufu, foofoo

Instructions

  1. 1

    Wash and finely chop the okra.

  2. 2

    Heat palm oil in a pot, sauté onion until soft.

  3. 3

    Add dried fish, smoked fish, and scotch bonnet peppers.

  4. 4

    Pour in water or stock, bring to a boil.

  5. 5

    Add ground crayfish and bouillon cubes, simmer 10 minutes.

  6. 6

    Add chopped okra, stir well and cook 15 minutes until thick and slimy.

  7. 7

    Adjust salt and serve over rice or with fufu.

💡

Did You Know?

The sliminess of okra soup is not a flaw — it is the entire point, and the slimier the better according to Sierra Leonean tradition.

Chef's Notes

Equipment Tips

  • large pot
  • knife
  • wooden spoon

Garnishing

palm oil drizzle

Accompaniments

steamed rice, fufu, foofoo

The Story Behind Okra Soup

Okra soup is one of the oldest dishes in Sierra Leone, predating colonial contact. Okra arrived in West Africa from East Africa and became integral to the cuisine. The Temne and Limba peoples consider it a staple, and it remains a daily meal across the country.

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

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