How to prepare Okro Soup – Exposed Secret

Seafood Okro Soup is a delightful Nigerian dish that combines the slimy texture of okra with the delicious flavors of assorted seafood. 

Here’s a detailed recipe on how to prepare Okro Soup

Ingredients Needed:

• Assorted seafood (shrimp, prawns, crab, fish fillets, etc.)
• Sliced okro (fresh or frozen)
• Chopped onions
• Palm oil 
• Grounded crayfish
• Grounded pepper (cayenne or chili powder)
• Stock cubes 
• Salt to taste
• Protein broth (fish or seafood- you can use water as a substitute)
• 1-2 teaspoons of ground uziza seeds (optional, for a spicier flavor)
• Chopped Ugu(pumpkin) leaves

Step by Step Instructions:

• Prepare the seafood:
  • Rinse the assorted seafood thoroughly under cold water and set aside. If using fish fillets, cut them into bite-sized pieces.
• Cook the seafood:
  • In a large pot, add the seafood and enough water to cover them.
  • Season the seafood with salt and any other preferred seasonings.
  • Cook the seafood on medium heat until they are fully cooked. The cooking time will vary depending on the type and size of the seafood. Once cooked, set aside.
• Prepare the okro:
  • Wash the okro and trim off the ends. Slice the okro into small rounds.
• Cook the Okro Soup:
  • In a separate large pot, heat the palm oil or vegetable oil over medium heat.
  • Add the chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent.
• Add ground crayfish and ground pepper:
  • Stir in the ground crayfish and ground pepper. Mix well to combine with the sautéed onions.
• Add the seafood broth:
  • Pour the fish or seafood broth into the pot with the sautéed onions, crayfish, and pepper. If you don’t have seafood broth, you can use water instead.
• Add the sliced okro:
  • Carefully add the sliced okro to the pot. Stir gently to prevent the okra from becoming too slimy.
• Season the soup:
  • Crumble the stock cubes into the soup and add ground dried prawns (if using).
  • Add salt to taste. Be careful with the salt as some seafood can be naturally salty.
• Simmer the soup:
  • Allow the soup to simmer on medium-low heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the okro is fully cooked and soft.
• Add the cooked seafood:
  • Gently add the cooked seafood to the pot. Stir carefully to avoid breaking up the seafood.
• Adjust the seasoning:
  • Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning (salt and pepper) to your preference.
  • If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add ground uziza seeds at this stage.
• Add chopped veggies (optional):
  • If desired, add chopped fresh ugu to the soup for added flavor and freshness.
• Serve:
  • Your delicious Seafood Okro Soup is now ready to be served! Enjoy it with a side of rice, fufu, or any other accompaniment of your choice.

This hearty and flavorful Seafood Okro soup is sure to be a hit with seafood lovers and a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire!