Fetri Detsi with Smoked Fish
Fetri Detsi, also known as Okra Soup, is a popular Ewe dish from Ghana, characterized by its unique slimy texture and rich flavor. This version incorporates smoked fish, adding a depth of umami and a delightful smoky aroma. It's a nutritious and satisfying meal often enjoyed on its own or with a starchy accompaniment.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Okra(fresh, ends trimmed and chopped)
- 200 g Smoked fish (e.g., mackerel, tilapia, or catfish)(cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(1 blended, 1 sliced)
- 3 medium Tomatoes(blended)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(grated or blended)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced or blended)
- 1-2 or to taste Scotch bonnet or habanero pepper(blended)
- 1 cup Spinach or other leafy greens (e.g., jute leaves)(chopped)
- 1 tablespoon Shrimp powder or ground crayfish (optional)
- to taste Salt
- 2 cups Water or fish stock
- 2 tablespoons Palm oil (optional, for traditional flavor)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a pot, combine the blended onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and pepper. Add the water or fish stock, shrimp powder (if using), and salt. Bring to a simmer.
- 2
Add the cleaned smoked fish pieces to the simmering broth. Let it cook for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- 3
Add the chopped okra and sliced onions to the pot. Stir well and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the okra reaches your desired tenderness and sliminess.
💡 Tip: For extra sliminess, you can add a pinch of baking soda to the okra. - 4
Stir in the chopped spinach or leafy greens. Cook for another 3-5 minutes until the greens are wilted.
- 5
If using palm oil for traditional flavor, stir it in at this stage. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed. Simmer for a final 2 minutes.
- 6
Serve hot, traditionally with banku or akple.
💡 Tip: Fetri Detsi can also be enjoyed with rice or fufu.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the okra is fresh for the best slimy texture.
- ✓Adjust the amount of pepper to control the heat level.
- ✓Different types of smoked fish can be used, each offering a unique flavor profile.
🔄 Variations
- Add other proteins like crab, shrimp, or salted beef (koobi).
- For an oil-free version, omit the palm oil entirely.