Okra soup

Delicious Seafood Okra Soup Recipe – A Healthy & Flavorful Nigerian Dish

If you’re looking for a rich, flavorful, and highly nutritious soup, then this Seafood Okra Soup is a must-try! This dish is packed with fresh seafood, nutrient-rich okra, and bold flavors that make it irresistible. It is perfect for those on a healthy diet, as it pairs well with low-carb fufu alternatives like cabbage fufu.

Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to make the most delicious seafood okra soup from scratch!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Nutrients – Okra is rich in vitamins and fiber, while seafood provides protein and healthy fats.
• Slimy & Crunchy Texture – Grating and chopping the okra gives a delightful balance of smoothness and crunch.
• Flavorful & Spicy – The addition of locust beans, palm oil, and fresh Scotch bonnet peppers enhances the taste.
• Easy to Prepare – With simple steps, you can create this wholesome dish at home!

Ingredients

For the Okra Soup

• 2 cups fresh okra (half grated, half chopped)
• 2 tablespoons red palm oil
• 2 tablespoons locust beans (iru)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon seasoning cubes or powder
• ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup uziza leaves (or spinach), washed and chopped
• 1 cup fish stock (from cooking seafood)
• 1-2 cups water (as needed)

For the Seafood

• 1 medium catfish, cleaned and cut into chunks
• 5-6 crab legs
• 6-8 tiger shrimps, deveined and cleaned
• 1 cup small shrimps, cleaned
• 1 lobster tail, cut into pieces (optional)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon seasoning cubes
• 1 cup water

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

• Check Okra Freshness: Bend the okra; if it snaps easily, it is fresh. If not, it may not be suitable for this recipe.

• Wash & Prep the Okra: Wash the okra thoroughly with salt and water. Grate half of it for a slimy texture

• Chop the other half for a crunchy bite.

• Clean the Seafood: Remove the shells from the shrimp and devein them. Clean the catfish thoroughly to remove any slime.

Step 2: Cook the Seafood

• In a pot, add the catfish, crab legs, tiger shrimps, and lobster tail.
• Add chopped Scotch bonnet, onions, seasoning cubes, and salt.
• Pour in 1 cup of water, cover, and cook for 6 minutes.

• After 6 minutes, add the small shrimps and let it cook for 2 more minutes.
• Once done, strain the fish stock (to remove any residue) and set both the seafood and stock aside.

Step 3: Cook the Okra Soup

• In a separate pot, heat red palm oil over medium heat.
• Add chopped onions, locust beans, and seasoning cubes. Stir and fry for 2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the grated okra first and stir vigorously using a whisk to activate the slimy texture.

• Slowly add fish stock and water (if needed) until you reach your desired consistency.
• Once the okra is slimy, add the chopped okra, uziza leaves, and extra Scotch bonnet pepper. Stir well.

Step 4: Combine Everything

• Gently add the cooked seafood back into the pot. Stir carefully to prevent the fish from breaking apart.
• Let the soup simmer on low heat for 3 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
• Taste and adjust seasoning or salt if necessary.
• Remove from heat and serve!

Serving Suggestions

This delicious Seafood Okra Soup pairs well with:

• Cabbage Fufu (low-carb option)

Here’s how to make Cabbage fufu from scratch

How to Make Cabbage Fufu (Low-Carb Swallow Alternative)

Cabbage fufu is a healthy, low-carb alternative to traditional swallows like fufu, eba, or semovita. It’s perfect for those on a keto diet or weight loss journey while still enjoying classic Nigerian soups like Seafood Okra Soup.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cabbage
• Water (for blending)
• 1 teaspoon psyllium husk powder (or blended Quaker oats as a binder)

Instructions

Step 1: Blend the Cabbage

• Cut the cabbage into wedges and separate the leaves.

• Add the cabbage pieces into a blender with a little water and blend until very smooth.

Step 2: Strain the Cabbage Pulp

• Pour the blended cabbage through a chiffon cloth or fine sieve to separate the pulp from the juice.

• Squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Discard the water and keep the cabbage pulp.

Step 3: Cook the Fufu

• Transfer the cabbage pulp into a pot over medium heat.
• Stir continuously for 3-5 minutes to remove excess moisture.
• Add psyllium husk powder (or blended oats) to bind the mixture and keep stirring until it forms a smooth, stretchy dough-like consistency.

• If it feels too dry, add a little water, cover, and steam for 2 minutes.
• Continue stirring until everything comes together and looks like traditional fufu.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

• Your cabbage fufu is ready! It should be soft, stretchy, and smooth.
• Serve with Seafood Okra Soup or any Nigerian soup of your choice.

Tip: Cabbage fufu is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Pounded Yam
• Eba (Garri)
• Fufu
• Semovita

How to Store & Reheat

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezing: Okra soup freezes well! Pour into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 1 month.
• Reheating:
  • From the fridge: Heat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • From frozen: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop.

Health Benefits of Okra & Seafood

1. Rich in Fiber: Okra aids digestion and supports gut health.
2. Supports Heart Health: Seafood provides omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for the heart.
3. Boosts Immunity: The combination of peppers, uziza leaves, and seafood provides vitamins and antioxidants.
4. Weight-Friendly: Okra soup is low in calories and works well for those on a diet.

FAQs

1. How can I make my okra soup even slimier?

• Grate a portion of the okra instead of chopping all of it. Also, whisk the soup vigorously when cooking to activate the slime.

2. Can I use frozen okra?

• Yes, but fresh okra gives the best texture and flavor. If using frozen okra, let it thaw before cooking.

3. What other seafood can I use?

• You can use clams, mussels, tilapia, king prawns, or squid.

4. Can I make this soup without palm oil?

• Yes! You can substitute with vegetable oil or skip the oil entirely for a healthier option.

5. What can I eat with okra soup on a keto diet?

• Cabbage fufu, almond flour fufu, or cauliflower swallow are great low-carb alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Seafood Okra Soup is a must-try if you love flavorful, nutrient-rich soups! It’s easy to prepare and packed with delicious seafood. Whether you’re on a healthy diet or just craving a comforting meal, this dish is perfect for you.

Have you tried this recipe? Share your experience in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes.

Enjoy your meal! Bon appétit!