OKRA SOUP
Okra Soup
…to the Low Country…
Yield: 4-5 servings
PREP IT!
For Okra Soup:
4 slices Bacon, thick cut, diced small or 2 tablespoons Vegetable bouillon paste, plant based
2 tablespoons Oil, vegetable
1-pound Okra, fresh, sliced, or frozen
1 large Yellow onion, fresh, diced small
½ small Green bell pepper, fresh, diced small
2 stalks Celery, fresh, diced small
16 cloves Garlic, fresh, minced
2 sprigs Green onion, sliced
1 small habanero, (optional based on your spice tolerance)
2 tablespoons Tomato paste
1 sprig (½ teaspoon) Rosemary, fresh or dried, chopped
2 large Bay leaves
4 teaspoons Taste Tutor Smoked 101
2 teaspoons Taste Tutor Gullah Seasoning
2 teaspoons Cayenne Pepper
2 large Roma tomatoes, diced small
2 cups Vegetable broth, low sodium (or any broth)
For Rice:
1 cup Rice, parboiled or Carolina Gold, washed
1½ cup Vegetable broth, low sodium or Water
MAKE IT!
For Okra Soup:
In a large pot, over medium high heat, cook bacon until fat is rendered and bacon bits are slightly crispy. Remove bacon from heat and set aside.
Add vegetable oil and sauté okra until slightly charred. Remove okra from heat and set aside.
Sauté onion, green bell pepper, celery, garlic, green onions, and habanero (if using) until onions are translucent.
Then fry tomato paste 3½ minutes until dark and oil comes to the top. Add vegetable bouillon paste now if you’re making the plant-based option.
Add rosemary, bay leaves, Taste Tutor Smoked 101, Taste Tutor Gullah Seasoning, and cayenne pepper.
Fry until seasonings begin to toast. Add diced tomatoes and 2 cups broth. Cook 5-10 minutes, until sauce begins to boil. Reduce to a simmer.
For Rice:
In a medium pot or rice cooker, add rice and vegetable broth or water. Cover tightly and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn heat to the lowest setting and allow to steam.
Enjoy the soup and rice together!
Tip:
How to Cook Rice: To cook rice, use a rice cooker or in a medium pot, bring rice and liquid to a boil. Once boiling turn heat down to low. Cover pot with foil and lid to trap the steam in. Allow rice to steam for 20 -30 minutes until rice is tender. Do not stir rice until it has finished steaming. Keeping the heat on low will prevent rice on the bottom from burning while cooking. But honestly, if you do accidentally burn the some of the rice, who doesn’t love the burnt bottom part of the rice pot anyway… flavor!
Reheat leftovers: in the oven or in the microwave.
Okra Soup