{"id":"okra_soup_e9a88b39d8","slug":"authentic-african-okra-soup-ila-alasepo","title":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo)","description":"A rich, nutritious, and hearty West African specialty featuring fresh okra, assorted meats, and vibrant palm oil, known for its unique 'draw' texture and deep savory flavor.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":20,"cookMinutes":40,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":30},"ingredients":[{"id":"ingredient-1","original":"500g Okra, finely chopped","name":"Okra","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"lb","form":"finely chopped","notes":"can also grate half for more viscosity","group":"Vegetables","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-2","original":"500g Goat meat or Beef, cut into chunks","name":"Goat Meat","quantity":500,"unit":"g","usQuantity":1.1,"usUnit":"lb","form":"cubed","notes":"can substitute with beef or lamb","group":"Protein","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-3","original":"1 large Smoked Fish","name":"Fish","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"deboned and flaked","notes":"e.g., Catfish or Mackerel","group":"Protein","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-4","original":"200g Fresh Shrimp, cleaned","name":"Shrimp","quantity":200,"unit":"g","usQuantity":7,"usUnit":"oz","form":"cleaned and deveined","notes":"","group":"Protein","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-5","original":"120ml Red Palm Oil","name":"Red Palm Oil","quantity":120,"unit":"ml","usQuantity":"1/2","usUnit":"cup","form":"liquid","notes":"","group":"Oil","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-6","original":"1 Onion, diced","name":"Onion","quantity":1,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"piece","form":"diced","notes":"medium size","group":"Aromatics","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-7","original":"2 Scotch Bonnet peppers, blended","name":"Scotch Bonnet","quantity":2,"unit":"piece","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"piece","form":"blended","notes":"adjust to spice tolerance","group":"Spice","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-8","original":"2 tbsp Crayfish powder","name":"Crayfish","quantity":30,"unit":"g","usQuantity":2,"usUnit":"tbsp","form":"powdered","notes":"essential for umami","group":"Seasoning","optional":false},{"id":"ingredient-9","original":"100g Spinach or Pumpkin leaves (Ugwu)","name":"Spinach","quantity":100,"unit":"g","usQuantity":3.5,"usUnit":"oz","form":"shredded","notes":"fresh pumpkin leaves preferred if available","group":"Vegetables","optional":true},{"id":"ingredient-10","original":"Salt to taste","name":"Salt","quantity":1,"unit":"pinch","usQuantity":1,"usUnit":"pinch","form":"","notes":"to taste","group":"Seasoning","optional":false}],"instructions":[{"id":"instruction-1","text":"Place the goat meat (or beef) in a large pot with half of the diced onion and a pinch of salt. Add enough water (about 1 liter/1 quart) to cover and boil over medium-high heat for 30-40 minutes (100°C/212°F) until the meat is tender.","group":"Cooking Meat","title":"Place the goat meat","timerMinutes":40,"sourceTitle":"Cooking Meat"},{"id":"instruction-2","text":"Add the red palm oil, crayfish powder, blended scotch bonnet peppers, and the remaining onions to the pot. Stir well to combine with the meat and broth.","group":"Developing Flavors","title":"Add the red palm oil, crayfish powder, blended scotch bonnet peppers","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Developing Flavors"},{"id":"instruction-3","text":"Add the smoked fish and fresh shrimp. Simmer for another 5 minutes to let the seafood flavors meld into the broth.","group":"Adding Seafood","title":"Add the smoked fish and fresh shrimp","timerMinutes":5,"sourceTitle":"Adding Seafood"},{"id":"instruction-4","text":"Stir in the chopped okra. Cook for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overcooking the okra to maintain its bright green color and some texture.","group":"Adding Okra","title":"Stir in the chopped okra","timerMinutes":7,"sourceTitle":"Adding Okra"},{"id":"instruction-5","text":"Finally, add the shredded spinach or pumpkin leaves. Stir through for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Taste and adjust salt if necessary, then remove from heat.","group":"Finishing","title":"Finally, add the shredded spinach or pumpkin leaves","timerMinutes":2,"sourceTitle":"Finishing"}],"notes":"For the best texture, hand-chop half of the okra and grate the other half. This creates a perfect balance of crunch and the characteristic 'draw' that okra soup is famous for. If you prefer a thicker soup, reduce the amount of water added initially.","cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"cookingMethod":["boil","simmer"],"equipment":["Large pot","Grater (optional)","Knife","Cutting board"],"diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","high_protein"],"allergens":["fish","shellfish"],"difficulty":"medium","yield":{"amount":4,"unit":"serving","note":"A generous bowl per person"},"makeAhead":{"instructions":"The base broth (meat and oil) can be made a day ahead, but add the okra and greens fresh before serving to prevent them from getting too soft."},"storage":{"food":{"instructions":"Store in an airtight container. The 'draw' consistency may change slightly upon reheating.","reheatingNotes":"Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of water if it has thickened too much."}},"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fokra_soup_e9a88b39d8%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=82c26950-d626-4459-bdc0-dc266e623311","imageAlt":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo) — recipe cover","aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","sourceUrl":"","tags":["okra","african soup","ila alasepo","palm oil","spicy","high protein","one pot"],"schemaVersion":1,"sourceTitle":"Authentic African Okra Soup (Ila Alasepo)","sourcePublishedAt":"2026-02-04T22:59:35.289Z","sourceUpdatedAt":"2026-02-04T22:59:35.289Z","related":[{"id":"ewedu_soup_e41eeb24af","slug":"ewedu-soup","title":"Ewedu Soup","description":"A traditional Nigerian green soup made from jute leaves, known for its viscous (drawy) texture. It is a staple of Yoruba cuisine, typically served with Amala and a side of stew.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":10,"cookMinutes":15,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":15},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","Yoruba"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb","high_protein"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fewedu_soup_e41eeb24af%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=80033ba6-a624-4cb7-93f4-6b2e30d37501","imageAlt":"Ewedu Soup — recipe cover","tags":["healthy","slimy","traditional","west african","low calorie"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":7,"stepCount":5},{"id":"recipe_7e08e81b95","slug":"vermicelli-soup-shorbat-shariya","title":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya)","description":"A light and comforting African-style soup featuring toasted vermicelli noodles simmered in a fragrant savory broth. Simple, quick, and perfect as a starter.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":5,"cookMinutes":20,"totalMinutes":25,"activeMinutes":10},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["North African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"easy","diet":["vegetarian","dairy_free"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Frecipe_7e08e81b95%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=5635d06b-0fee-4e14-886a-986f260262e0","imageAlt":"Vermicelli Soup (Shorbat Shariya) — recipe cover","tags":["soup","vermicelli","african","easy","quick","comfort food","light meal"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":8,"stepCount":5},{"id":"pepper_soup_da625ee460","slug":"african-pepper-soup","title":"African Pepper Soup","description":"A fiery, aromatic, and deeply comforting West African broth made with a unique blend of spices and tender meat. Often enjoyed as a light yet revitalizing meal.","serves":4,"time":{"prepMinutes":15,"cookMinutes":45,"totalMinutes":60,"activeMinutes":20},"cuisine":{"group":"African","specific":["Nigerian","West African"]},"course":["soup"],"difficulty":"medium","diet":["high_protein","gluten_free","dairy_free","low_carb"],"image":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/ezdish-prod.firebasestorage.app/o/public_recipes%2Fpepper_soup_da625ee460%2Fcover.jpg?alt=media&token=49c825e9-4db5-48f7-9e5b-c2a81636556f","imageAlt":"African Pepper Soup — recipe cover","tags":["pepper soup","spicy","african","broth","high protein","comfort food"],"aiGenerated":true,"publishedAt":"2026-10-10","updatedAt":"2026-10-11","ingredientCount":10,"stepCount":5}]}