Liberian Okra and Rice Dish (Okra Rice)
A flavorful one-pot dish where rice is cooked with okra, palm oil, and seasonings, creating a unique texture and taste. It's a simpler, rice-centric alternative to okra soup.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 cups Long-grain white rice(rinsed)
- 1 lb Fresh okra(trimmed and sliced)
- 1/4 cup Palm oil
- 1 medium Onion(chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1/2 whole Scotch bonnet pepper(pierced, or to taste)
- 3 cups Chicken or vegetable broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/2 cup Optional: Smoked fish or shrimp(crumbled or whole)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the palm oil over medium heat.
💡 Tip: Be careful not to overheat the palm oil. - 2
Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
- 3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Add the sliced okra to the pot and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics. Cook for about 5 minutes until the okra begins to soften.
💡 Tip: This helps to reduce the sliminess of the okra. - 5
If using, add the smoked fish or shrimp.
💡 Tip: This adds a savory depth to the dish. - 6
Pour in the broth, add the pierced Scotch bonnet pepper, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil.
💡 Tip: Ensure the liquid is seasoned well before adding the rice. - 7
Stir in the rinsed rice. Once the liquid returns to a boil, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot tightly, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid is absorbed.
💡 Tip: Avoid lifting the lid too often to allow the rice to steam properly. - 8
Once the rice is cooked, fluff it with a fork. Remove the Scotch bonnet pepper before serving.
💡 Tip: Let the rice rest for a few minutes after cooking before fluffing. - 9
Serve hot as a complete meal.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The amount of okra can be adjusted based on preference; more okra will result in a thicker, more textured dish.
- ✓For a spicier dish, cut the Scotch bonnet pepper open before adding it.
- ✓Ensure the rice is well-rinsed to remove excess starch, which can make the dish gummy.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced tomatoes or bell peppers for extra color and flavor.
- Incorporate small pieces of chicken or fish for a heartier meal.