Gambian Okra Stew (Okra Soup)
A hearty and flavorful stew made with fresh okra, palm oil, fish or meat, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a staple in Gambian cuisine, often served with rice or fufu.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 100 ml Palm oil
- 1 large Onion(chopped)
- 400 g Tomatoes(chopped or crushed)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 inch piece Ginger(grated)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(whole or chopped, adjust to taste)
- 400 g Fish(e.g., sea bream or snapper, cut into pieces (or chicken/beef))
- 1 optional Stock cube
- 500 ml Water(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat the palm oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the chopped tomatoes and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- 4
Add the sliced okra, fish (or meat), scotch bonnet pepper, stock cube (if using), and water. Bring to a simmer.
- 5
Cover and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the fish is cooked through. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. If the stew becomes too thick, add a little more water.
- 6
Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Remove the whole scotch bonnet pepper before serving if desired.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can briefly blanch it in boiling water before adding it to the stew, or add a tablespoon of lemon juice.
- ✓Ensure the palm oil is heated properly before adding other ingredients to avoid a raw taste.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper according to your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Use beef or chicken instead of fish for a different protein.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach.
- Serve with a side of rice, fufu, or couscous.