Jacqueline's Charleston Okra Soup 🍲🌿

Dive into a taste of the South with this heartwarming Charleston Okra Soup! It's a delightful blend of fresh ingredients and savory flavors, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The rich broth, combined with tender okra and meaty goodness, will leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget to serve it with hot rice and buttered cornsticks for a truly comforting meal! 🍚🥖

Ingredients

For the soup base

• 1 large beef bone (with plenty of meat)
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 3 lbs. fresh okra, chopped fine
• Salt & freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 quarts water
• 1 piece of breakfast bacon
• 8 large fresh tomatoes (or 2 cans #2 tomatoes)

Instructions

1. In a large pot, cook the beef bone in water over low heat for about two hours. This slow cooking will create a rich and flavorful broth.

   🥩 Make sure to skim off any foam that rises to the top during this process for a cleaner broth.

2. After two hours, add the chopped okra, bacon, peeled tomatoes, bay leaf, and chopped onions to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

   🍅 Fresh tomatoes bring the best flavor, but canned tomatoes are a great time-saver without sacrificing taste.

3. Let the soup simmer for another two hours, adding more water if needed to maintain the desired consistency.

   ⏳ The longer the soup cooks, the better the flavors meld together, so don’t rush this step!

4. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary before serving hot.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the soup over warm, fluffy rice or alongside buttered cornsticks for a delightful blend of textures and flavors. 🥖✨
• For an added touch, sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or green onions on top just before serving.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit the beef bone and bacon, replacing the broth with vegetable stock for a delicious plant-based version!
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for an extra layer of heat. 🌶️
• Seafood Twist: Incorporate shrimp or crab meat during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a seafood-inspired version that’s equally satisfying.

Storage Tips

This soup keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better over time! Just reheat on the stove and enjoy again.

Serves: 8 - 10
Recipe by: Jacqueline Claywell