West African Okra Soup
A hearty traditional West African okra soup with tender beef, seafood, and rich spices that's naturally thickened by okra's natural mucilage. This nutritious one-pot meal delivers 28g of protein per serving.
20m
6
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs fresh okra, trimmed and chopped
- 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 lb fresh or frozen shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 lb catfish fillets, cut into chunks
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons palm oil or vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped
- 1 scotch bonnet pepper, whole (optional)
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 6 cups beef or vegetable stock
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons ground crayfish (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Season and Brown the Beef
Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Brown beef cubes on all sides, about 8 minutes total. Remove and set aside.
- 2
Build the Soup Base
In the same pot, add remaining oil. Sauté onions until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic, ginger, and tomato paste, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant. Add chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down, about 8 minutes.
- 3
Add Beef and Liquid
Return browned beef to the pot. Add bay leaves, smoked paprika, and stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 45 minutes until beef starts to become tender.
- 4
Add Okra and Seasonings
Add chopped okra, scotch bonnet pepper (if using), ground crayfish, and additional salt to taste. Continue simmering for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally as okra releases its natural thickening agents.
- 5
Add Seafood
Gently add catfish chunks and shrimp to the pot. Simmer for an additional 8-10 minutes until seafood is cooked through and soup has thickened to desired consistency.
- 6
Final Seasoning and Serve
Remove bay leaves and scotch bonnet pepper. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot with rice, fufu, or crusty bread.
Chef's Tips
Fresh okra works best for this soup - avoid frozen if possible as it can become too slimy. If you can't find palm oil, substitute with vegetable oil, though palm oil adds authentic flavor. The soup should have a slightly thick, viscous consistency from the okra's natural mucilage.
Nutrition Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about making this west african okra soup
How long does it take to make West African Okra Soup?
This recipe takes 110 minutes total time, including 20 minutes prep time and 90 minutes cooking time.
How many servings does this West African Okra Soup recipe make?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
What is the difficulty level of this West African Okra Soup recipe?
This recipe is rated as Medium difficulty level, making it suitable for home cooks with some experience.
Can I make substitutions in this West African Okra Soup recipe?
Yes, you can make substitutions, but they may affect the final result. Common substitutions include using different types of ingredients for dietary restrictions or personal preferences.
Can I make this west african okra soup ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this west african okra soup up to 1 day ahead. Assemble the dish completely, cover with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bring to room temperature for 30 minutes, then bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the cooking time if needed.
How do I store leftover west african okra soup?
Store leftover west african okra soup covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
What side dishes go well with west african okra soup?
This west african okra soup pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or crusty bread. For a complete meal, serve alongside grilled chicken or a protein of your choice.
Can I freeze west african okra soup?
Yes, this west african okra soup freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, or store in freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.