Liberian Okra Soup
A flavorful and hearty soup made with fresh okra, palm oil, and a medley of meats and fish. This dish is often served with fufu or rice and is a beloved part of Liberian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 0.5 cup Palm oil
- 1 large Onion, chopped
- 4 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 pound Assorted meats (e.g., beef, chicken, goat), cut into pieces
- 0.5 pound Smoked fish, broken into pieces
- 0.5 pound Shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 pounds Fresh okra, chopped
- 2 medium Tomatoes, chopped
- 1 medium Bell pepper, chopped
- 1 Habanero pepper, minced (optional)(or to taste)
- 2 Bouillon cubes or powder(to taste)
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
- 4 cups Water(or as needed)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, sauté chopped onions in palm oil until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 2
Add the assorted meats to the pot and brown them slightly. Add smoked fish and shrimp, then pour in water to cover the ingredients. Add bouillon cubes, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer until meats are tender, about 30-40 minutes.
💡 Tip: If using tougher cuts of meat, you may need to simmer them longer. - 3
While the meat is simmering, prepare the okra. In a separate pot, add the chopped okra, tomatoes, bell pepper, and habanero pepper (if using). Cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to help reduce the slime.
💡 Tip: Cooking the okra separately with other vegetables can help manage its sliminess. - 4
Add the okra mixture to the pot with the meats and fish. Stir well to combine. Continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the flavors have melded.
💡 Tip: The soup should thicken naturally from the okra. - 5
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with fufu, rice, or your favorite starch.
💡 Tip: Liberian Okra Soup is often enjoyed with 'swallow' foods like fufu.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can use a combination of fresh and smoked fish.
- ✓Some people prefer to blend a portion of the okra with some liquid before adding it to the soup to achieve a smoother consistency.
- ✓Adjust the amount of habanero pepper based on your spice preference.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like spinach or bitter leaf.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and fish and use vegetable broth.
- Some recipes include dry shrimp for an extra layer of umami flavor.