Ghanaian Fetri Detsi with Smoked Tilapia
Fetri Detsi, a traditional Ewe dish from the Volta Region of Ghana, is a flavorful okra soup often prepared without oil, highlighting the natural flavors of its ingredients. This version features smoked tilapia, adding a deep, savory dimension to the okra and a medley of aromatic spices.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 large Smoked Tilapia(cleaned and cut into pieces)
- 800 g Fresh Okra(chopped)
- 1.5 medium Onion(1 sliced, 0.5 blended)
- 1 thumb-sized piece Ginger(grated or blended)
- 3 cloves Garlic(grated or blended)
- 1 or to taste Habanero pepper(chopped or blended)
- 300 g Spinach(washed and chopped)
- 300 g Dried Catfish Fillets(optional)
- 2 tbsp Herring powder(optional)
- 1 tsp All-purpose seasoning
- 0.5 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 1.5 liters Water
- 0.25 tsp Bicarbonate of soda(optional, to enhance sliminess)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine the sliced onion, blended onion, grated ginger, grated garlic, habanero pepper, and blended ingredients (if using). Add the smoked tilapia, dried catfish (if using), herring powder, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes to create a flavorful stock.
- 2
While the stock is simmering, prepare the okra by chopping off the tops and ends. You can chop them into desired sizes or process them briefly in a food processor for a finer texture.
- 3
Add the chopped okra to the simmering stock. If using, add the bicarbonate of soda to help enhance the okra's natural sliminess. Stir gently and cook for about 5-7 minutes.
- 4
Add the chopped spinach to the pot. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- 5
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. The smoked tilapia should provide a good amount of saltiness.
- 6
Serve the Fetri Detsi hot, traditionally with Akple or Banku.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the smoked tilapia is well cleaned before adding it to the pot.
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero pepper based on your spice preference.
- ✓If you don't have smoked tilapia, you can use fresh tilapia or other firm fish, but the smoky flavor will be less pronounced.
🔄 Variations
- Add other seafood like crabs or prawns for a richer flavor.
- For an oil-free version, omit the palm oil if any recipe suggests it and rely on the natural oils from the fish and okra.