Description
A rich and authentic Nigerian okra soup recipe featuring fresh okra, palm oil, and tender beef, perfect for a comforting and nourishing meal.
Ingredients
- Fresh okra (about 500g / 1 lb)
- Palm oil (¼ cup / 60ml)
- Beef or assorted meat (500g / 1 lb)
- Stockfish or dried fish (optional, about 100g / 3.5 oz)
- Onions (1 medium, chopped)
- Scotch bonnet peppers (1-2, chopped)
- Seasoning cubes or bouillon (2 cubes)
- Water or beef stock (3-4 cups / 700-950 ml)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Ugu leaves or spinach (optional, a handful)
Instructions
- Prepare the meat: Wash beef or assorted meat thoroughly. Place in a pot, cover with water or stock (about 3 cups / 700ml), add half the chopped onion and one seasoning cube. Bring to a boil, then simmer gently for 30-40 minutes until meat is tender, skimming off foam.
- Prepare the okra: Wash and chop okra into small pieces. Optionally blend for smoother texture.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat palm oil over medium heat. Add remaining chopped onion and scotch bonnet peppers. Cook for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Add meat and broth: Add cooked meat with broth into the palm oil mixture and stir gently.
- Add okra and season: Add chopped okra, remaining seasoning cube, salt, and pepper. Simmer on low heat for about 5 minutes until soup thickens.
- Add greens: Add ugu leaves or spinach if using, stir until wilted. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Simmer and serve: Let soup simmer for another 5 minutes on low heat. Remove from heat and serve.
Notes
Use fresh okra for best texture; frozen okra can be used but may dilute richness. Heat palm oil on medium to avoid bitterness. Adjust scotch bonnet peppers to control heat. Let soup rest for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor melding. If soup is too thick, add water or stock; if too thin, simmer longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Nigerian, African
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1 cu
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 7
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 25
Keywords: Nigerian okra soup, African comfort food, traditional Nigerian recipe, okra soup recipe, palm oil soup, gluten-free soup, beef okra soup