Best Alek Weks Okra Soup Recipes

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GRANNY'S OKRA SOUP



Granny's Okra Soup image

A delicious beef and vegetable soup that is a variation on the okra and tomato-based soup my great-grandmother used to make on the farm in Alabama. It's great with fresh or canned veggies, works with just about any alterations - I use fresh, locally-grown ingredients and it's always amazing. All ingredient measurements are approximate. The important thing about Granny's okra soup is that the tomato is the main ingredient, but okra, lima beans and potatoes are important too. Adding or subtracting other vegetables to taste or based on availability is perfectly acceptable.

Provided by Jenn

Categories     Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes     Soup Recipes     Vegetable Soup Recipes

Time 2h

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 16

4 cups chopped tomatoes
2 cups lima beans
2 cups chopped okra
2 cups chopped red potatoes
1 cup corn
1 cup green beans
½ cup chopped carrots
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
4 cups chicken stock
1 pound ground beef
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon celery salt
½ tablespoon onion powder
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed, or more to taste
3 tablespoons butter

Steps:

  • Combine tomatoes, lima beans, okra, potatoes, corn, green beans, carrots, and tomato paste in a large soup pot. Pour chicken stock over mixture and bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat and simmer until vegetables begin to soften, about 15 minutes.
  • Season ground beef with garlic powder, celery salt, and onion powder. Set aside.
  • Heat butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic when butter stops bubbling; cook and stir for 1 minute. Spread ground beef evenly in the pan. Cook until it has a nice brown sear, stirring minimally to end up with mostly medium-sized chunks, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain skillet and add beef, onions, and garlic to the soup pot.
  • Bring soup mixture to a boil; reduce heat to simmer, cover, and cook until vegetables and beef have cooked down, 1 to 2 hours.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 292.8 calories, Carbohydrate 27 g, Cholesterol 49.3 mg, Fat 14.2 g, Fiber 7.1 g, Protein 16.5 g, SaturatedFat 6.3 g, Sodium 1352.6 mg, Sugar 7.7 g

BAYOU OKRA SAUSAGE STEW



Bayou Okra Sausage Stew image

My husband and I worked on this recipe together. We make a big pot and freeze it to enjoy all winter long. We sometimes stir in sauteed shrimp for a delicious addition to this stew. -Lisa Nelson, Bluffton, South Carolina

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 40m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 pound smoked sausage, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch slices
2 large onions, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
8 green onions, sliced
1 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup white wine
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 package (16 ounces) frozen sliced okra
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Louisiana-style hot sauce
Hot cooked rice

Steps:

  • In a Dutch oven, saute the first five ingredients in oil until the vegetables are tender. Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Add wine, stirring to loosen browned bits from pan., Stir in the tomatoes, okra, tomato sauce, soy sauce and hot sauce; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 4-5 minutes or until okra is tender. Serve with rice., Freeze option: Freeze cooled stew in freezer containers. To use, partially thaw in refrigerator overnight. Microwave, covered, on high in a microwave-safe dish until heated through, gently stirring and adding a little broth or water if necessary. Serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 274 calories, Fat 20g fat (7g saturated fat), Cholesterol 34mg cholesterol, Sodium 1011mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (7g sugars, Fiber 4g fiber), Protein 10g protein.

Alek Wek's Okra Soup Recipes

Alek Wek is a Sudanese-British model and designer who is known for her activism and advocacy for refugees and displaced communities. She is also a food enthusiast who loves to cook and experiment with different flavors and ingredients, especially from her native South Sudan.

Okra Soup: A Traditional South Sudanese Dish

One of Alek Wek's favorite dishes is okra soup, a traditional South Sudanese dish that is typically made with fresh okra, tomatoes, onions, garlic, and either meat or fish. The soup is usually served with a side of rice, yams, or cassava, and is a staple dish in many households and restaurants in South Sudan and other parts of East Africa.

Okra is a highly nutritious vegetable that is rich in vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber. It has a distinct slimy texture when cooked which some people love and others find off-putting. However, when used correctly in recipes, okra can add a unique flavor and texture to many dishes, including soups, stews, and curries.

Alek Wek's Twist on Okra Soup

Alek Wek has created her own twist on the traditional okra soup recipe by adding a few extra ingredients and spices to enhance the flavor and depth of the soup. Her version includes chicken, red peppers, carrots, scotch bonnet peppers, and a blend of African spices, such as ginger, cinnamon, and coriander.

To make Alek Wek's okra soup recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 pound of chicken, cut into small pieces
  • 1 pound of fresh okra, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 red pepper, chopped
  • 2 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 1 scotch bonnet pepper, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon of ginger, minced
  • 1 tablespoon of cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon of coriander
  • 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cooked rice, yams or cassava, optional

To make the soup, follow these steps:

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat up some oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped chicken and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add the chopped onion, garlic, red pepper, and carrots to the pot and sauté until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add the chopped okra and scotch bonnet pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for another 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra starts to release its slime and become tender.
  4. Add the tomato paste, ginger, cinnamon, and coriander to the pot, and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
  5. Add the cooked chicken back to the pot, along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring the soup to a boil.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked through. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Serve the soup hot, with a side of cooked rice, yams, or cassava if desired.
The Benefits and Diversity of Okra and African Cuisine

Alek Wek's okra soup recipe is a delicious and healthy twist on a traditional African dish. It showcases the versatility and flavor of okra, a vegetable that is often overlooked in Western cuisine. It also highlights the diversity and richness of African cuisine, which is too often overlooked or stereotyped in mainstream media and culinary circles.

By exploring and celebrating African cuisine and ingredients, we can learn more about the history, culture, and traditions of the continent and its people. We can also discover new flavors and recipes that can broaden our culinary horizons and connect us with new communities and experiences.

Whether you're a fan of traditional recipes or enjoy experimenting with new twists on old favorites, Alek Wek's okra soup recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves healthy, delicious, and diverse cuisine.

Valuable Tips When Making Alek Wek's Okra Soup Recipes

Okra soup is a popular dish in many African countries, and model Alek Wek has shared her recipe for this delicious dish. Whether you are new to making okra soup or are a seasoned pro, there are some valuable tips to consider when making Alek Wek's Okra Soup recipes.
1. Choose Fresh Ingredients
Fresh ingredients are key to making a delicious okra soup. Look for fresh okra, tomatoes, onions, and other vegetables at your local grocery store, farmers' market, or garden. Using fresh ingredients will help ensure that your soup has the right texture and flavor.
2. Wash and Cut the Okra Properly
Okra can be challenging to prepare because of its slimy texture. To reduce the slime, wash the okra thoroughly and cut it into small pieces before adding it to the soup. You can also dry the okra with a paper towel to further reduce the slime.
3. Use Spices and Herbs to Add Flavor
Okra soup is not only delicious but is also known for its health benefits. Adding spices and herbs such as ginger, garlic, and thyme can help enhance the flavor of the soup and have additional health benefits. You can also experiment with other spices and herbs to find your favorite combination.
4. Adjust the Consistency of the Soup
The consistency of okra soup can vary from thick to thin depending on your preferences. If you prefer a thick soup, add more okra, or blend some of the okra before adding it to the soup. If you prefer a thinner soup, add more water or broth.
5. Let the Soup Simmer Slowly
Simmering the soup slowly allows the flavors to meld together well. It also ensures that the okra is cooked through and not too tough. If you are short on time, you can cook the soup in a pressure cooker or instant pot, but a slow simmer is recommended for the best flavor and texture.
6. Serve with Your Favorite Side Dishes
Okra soup pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, bread, and plantains. You can also add cooked chicken or beef to the soup if you want to make it more substantial.
7. Experiment with Different Variations
Alek Wek's okra soup recipe is just one of many variations of this dish. Feel free to experiment with different spices, herbs, vegetables, and proteins to find your perfect okra soup recipe. You can also adjust the consistency and texture of the soup to your liking. In conclusion, making Alek Wek's Okra Soup recipes is an excellent way to enjoy a classic African dish that is both delicious and healthy. By following these valuable tips, you can ensure that your okra soup has the right texture and flavor and can experiment with different variations until you find your perfect recipe.

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