Vegan Nigerian Okro Soup

Delight in the rich, vibrant flavors of Vegan Nigerian Okro Soup, a plant-based twist on a traditional West African favorite. Brimming with wholesome ingredients like fresh okra, mushrooms, and spinach, this hearty soup is a nourishing blend of textures and bold flavors. Infused with aromatic garlic, ginger, African locust bean (iru), and ground crayfish for a signature umami depth, it's simmered to perfection in a base of vegetable broth and spiced with chili and cayenne for just the right kick. Finished with a touch of palm oil, this soup is a perfect accompaniment to steamed rice, yam, or vegan-friendly swallows like amala or pounded yam. Quick to prepare in just 40 minutes and packed with nutrient-dense vegetables, this dish is the ultimate comfort food for vegans seeking a taste of authentic Nigerian cuisine.

Nutriscore Rating: 78/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 300 grams fresh okra
• 1 medium onion
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 150 grams fresh spinach
• 3 tablespoons palm oil
• 500 milliliters vegetable broth
• 1 tablespoon ground crayfish
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 tablespoon African locust bean (iru)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 200 grams mushrooms
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon ginger

Directions

Step 1

Start by chopping the okra into thin rounds or finely dicing it, depending on preference, and set aside.

Step 2

Dice the onion and red bell pepper finely. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.

Step 3

Heat the palm oil in a large pot over medium heat, then add the diced onion. Cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the finely chopped red bell pepper and mushrooms, cook for an additional 3-4 minutes.

Step 6

Pour in the vegetable broth, ground cayenne pepper, chili powder, ground crayfish, iru, and salt. Stir well to combine all ingredients.

Step 7

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 8

Add the chopped okra and let it cook for about 5-7 minutes until it is tender but not mushy, stirring occasionally.

Step 9

Lastly, add the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt into the soup for 2-3 minutes.

Step 10

Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove the pot from heat.

Step 11

Serve the Vegan Nigerian Okro Soup hot, paired with a side of steamed rice, yam, or your favorite vegan-friendly swallow.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1504.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1011.5

Total Fat 57.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 23.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.8g
Cholesterol 20.2mg	0%
Sodium 4050.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 98.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 28.4g	0%
Total Sugars 28.0g
Protein 37.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 547.2mg	0%
Iron 13.2mg	0%
Potassium 3297.6mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.9%

Protein: 14.1%

Carbs: 37.0%