Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo) is a beloved Nigerian classic. Okra in itself is super nutritious as it is a source of magnesium, potassium, calcium, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin B6, sodium, etc. Okra is also reputed to be an effective aphrodisiac. Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo) tantalizes the taste buds and offers a nutritious and satisfying meal that has been cherished for generations; it’s a win-win with this soup.
While the basic recipe for Nigerian Okra Soup remains consistent, there are countless variations that reflect the diversity of Nigerian cooking. Some variations may include the addition of leafy greens such as spinach, ugu/ugwu leaf, or bitter leaf. And, many incorporate local spices, herbs, and/or many types of seafood for added depth of flavor. While this is typically made with palm oil, the healthier version without palm oil can be just as delicious.
Utensils And Appliances Needed For Making Nigerian Okra Soup:
Bowls
Knife
Chopping Board
Blender (Optional)
Serving Spoon
Cooking Pot
Ingredients Needed For Making Nigerian Okra Soup:
Okra (2.6lbs | blended| chopped | sliced)
2 Red Bell Peppers (Chopped)
1 Onion (Chopped)
6 Jamaican Hot Peppers (I ❤️ hot food. You can adjust to the preferred heat level)
Cooked Shrimps (Optional)
Fried Goat Meat (Optional)
Fried Beef (Optional)
Cooked Tripe (Saki. Optional)
Smoked Fish (Eja Kika. Optional)
Softened Stock Fish, 2 Handfuls (Optional)
Softened Dried Herring, 2 Handfuls (Optional)
Red Prawns(Optional)
Locust beans ( 3 Tbsp | Optional)
Ground Crayfish (2 Tbsp | Optional)
Palm Oil
Seasoning Cubes or Powder (To Taste)
Salt (To Taste)
Water and/or Beef or Chicken Broth
Instructions For Making Nigerian Okra Soup:
Gather all necessary ingredients and utensils for your cooking convenience.
Soak all smoked and dried fish in slightly salted hot water to soften them. Cook your choice of meats till tender and fry if preferred. Inclusion of boiled or fried meats is at the cook’s discretion.
If you prefer a slimy Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo), you’ll have to blend ⅕ to ¼ of all the Okra you are about to cook; chop and slice the remaining Okra for a nice crunch and texture. If you would rather have Okra Soup with much less slime, just chop and slice all the Okra you are about to cook. The more you blend, the slimier the Okra soup you will end up with will be.
Thin the palm oil in a pot on low heat. Add the chopped onions and locust beans to the thinned palm oil. Add the chopped bell peppers. Stir them in and cover the pot to allow them to fry on low heat for roughly 10 minutes. Add the beef or chicken broth. Add the softened fish and red prawns. Cover the pot and let the content cook for about 5 minutes. Add your choice of cooked meat(s). Stir and taste the soup and add salt and seasoning if needed.
If you blended some of the Okra for a slimier soup, this is the time to add it to the pot. Add the chopped and/or sliced Okra and stir in. Let the Okra cook for a few minutes. Do not overcook. Add the cooked shrimp, stir, and turn the stove off.
This recipe allows you to have a deliciously crunchy and slimy Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo).
Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo) is often served alongside staple swallows such as pounded yam, fufu, or eba, making it a satisfying and complete meal experience.
Feel free to share your experience of using this Okra Soup Recipe with us if you find this helpful. Enjoy!
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