Savory African Okra Delight
Experience the vibrant flavors of Africa with this hearty Savory African Okra Delight, a delicious and nutritious soup that combines tender okra, fresh corn, and juicy tomatoes. Perfect for a cozy dinner or as a delightful sharing dish, this recipe highlights the unique texture and taste of okra, balanced with the smokiness of bacon and the zesty kick of lemon. It's a wholesome low-protein meal ideal for any occasion, packed with fresh ingredients that bring warmth and comfort to your table. Serve it alongside rice or crusty bread for an even more satisfying experience.
4
Servings
87.5
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Young okra pods
1 lb (Trimmed and sliced 1/4 inch thick)
Large tomatoes
2 (Blanched, peeled, deseeded, and coarsely chopped)
Fresh corn
1 cup (Kernels cut from the cob or frozen corn can be substituted)
Water or Stock
2 cups (Chicken or beef stock optional)
Thick lean platter bacon
2 slices (Diced and fried until crispy)
Lemon
1 (Zested and halved (or thickly sliced and seeded))
Salt
to taste
Fresh coarse ground black pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Start by trimming off both ends of the okra pods, then slice them into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
2
Bring a small pot of water to a boil and carefully immerse the tomatoes for about 30-45 seconds. Once done, remove them from the water and peel off the skin.
3
Cut the tomatoes in half, scoop out the runny insides and discard them, then coarsely chop the remaining fleshy part.
4
Dice the bacon and fry it in a pan over medium heat until crispy. Once done, transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain, but reserve the rendered grease in the pan.
5
In a large saucepan, combine the sliced okra, chopped tomatoes, fresh corn, reserved bacon grease, and 2 cups of water or stock. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the okra is tender but not mushy.
7
To enhance the soup's flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of the reserved bacon grease during the simmering process.
8
For serving, the lemon can either be thickly sliced and added to the pot to cook with the soup or zest it and squeeze fresh juice over each bowl according to taste, garnished proudly with the zest.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
10g
Carbs
2g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory African Okra Delight?
It is a hearty and nutritious African-inspired soup featuring okra, fresh corn, and tomatoes, flavored with smoky bacon and lemon.
Is this recipe high in protein?
No, this is a low-protein meal with only 2g of protein per serving.
How many calories are in one serving?
There are 87.5 calories per serving.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What is the primary vegetable in this dish?
The main vegetable is 1 lb of young okra pods.
How should I prepare the okra?
Trim off both ends and slice the pods into 1/4 inch thick rounds.
How do I peel the tomatoes for this recipe?
Immerse the tomatoes in boiling water for 30-45 seconds, then the skin can be easily peeled off.
Should I keep the tomato seeds?
No, you should scoop out and discard the runny insides and seeds before coarsely chopping the fleshy part.
Can I use frozen corn instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen corn can be substituted if fresh corn kernels cut from the cob are unavailable.
How do I prepare the bacon?
Dice the bacon and fry it over medium heat until crispy, then drain on paper towels while reserving the grease.
What do I do with the reserved bacon grease?
The grease is used to sauté the ingredients and an additional 1-2 tablespoons can be added during simmering for extra flavor.
What liquid is used for the soup base?
You can use 2 cups of water or optional chicken or beef stock.
How long does the soup need to simmer?
Simmer the mixture for about 15 minutes on low heat.
What is the ideal texture for the cooked okra?
The okra should be tender but not mushy.
How is the lemon used in this recipe?
The lemon can be sliced and cooked with the soup, or you can use the zest and fresh juice as a garnish.
What are the suggested side dishes?
It is recommended to serve this soup alongside rice or crusty bread.
Is this dish considered vegetarian?
Although tagged as vegetarian, the recipe includes bacon; for a true vegetarian version, omit the bacon and use vegetable oil.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
The dish contains 5g of fat per serving.
What kind of bacon is used?
The recipe calls for 2 slices of thick lean platter bacon.
Does the recipe call for specific spices?
It uses salt and fresh coarse ground black pepper to taste.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients listed.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include African cuisine, okra, soup, low protein, comfort food, and healthy.
Can I use beef stock?
Yes, beef stock is an optional substitute for water or chicken stock.
Is this a hearty meal?
Yes, it is described as a hearty and wholesome comfort food.
What makes the dish savory?
The combination of rendered bacon grease, stock, and seasoned vegetables provides a deep savory profile.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
They are blanched, peeled, deseeded, and coarsely chopped.
How much corn is needed?
The recipe requires 1 cup of fresh or frozen corn kernels.
Is the lemon zested?
Yes, zesting the lemon is recommended for garnishing and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-protein diet?
Yes, it is specifically categorized as a low-protein meal.