Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup

Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup Recipe from Sierra Leone

Region / culture: Sierra Leone | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 42 minutes | Servings: 4

Introduction

Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tangy lemon, tender chicken, and hearty okra creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is sure to please your taste buds.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, where okra is a popular ingredient in soups and stews. The addition of lemon adds a refreshing twist to the dish, making it a unique and flavorful option for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

1 large broiler chicken, cut into pieces
0.5 tsp cayenne pepper
juice from 2 large lemons
2 tsp salt
6 cups chicken broth or water
0.5 cup uncooked long-grain rice
3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
0.25 tsp pepper
1 tsp ground turmeric
1 can tomato paste
2 cups sliced okra, fresh or frozen*
1 large onion, peeled, chopped and browned in a little oil

How to prepare

Rub the chicken pieces with lemon juice. If desired, remove the skin for a lower fat content. Place the pieces in a covered container and refrigerate for no more than 30 minutes to marinate.
While the chicken is marinating, sauté the onion in a small amount of oil to mellow the flavor. Set aside.
Remove the chicken from the refrigerator. In a large pot, combine the chicken broth or water with the chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, covered, for 12 minutes.
Add the onions, tomatoes, tomato paste, rice, spices, salt, and pepper. Cook for 30 minutes, or until the chicken and rice are tender.
Once the chicken is cool enough to handle, remove the bones and return the meat to the pot. If using sliced okra, add it now. Stir until everything is well mixed and the okra is tender. Serve over additional rice and accompany with fresh fruit for dessert.

Variations

Add diced potatoes or carrots for extra vegetables.
Use chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of a whole chicken.
Add a pinch of saffron for a luxurious touch.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Marinating the chicken in lemon juice helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.

- Sautéing the onions before adding them to the soup helps to mellow their flavor and create a rich base for the dish.

- Removing the chicken bones before serving makes the soup easier to eat and enjoy.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup with a side of crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Cooking Techniques

Marinate the chicken in lemon juice for added flavor.

- Sauté the onions before adding them to the soup for a rich base.

- Simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor.

- Use frozen okra if fresh is not available.

- Substitute brown rice for white rice for added fiber.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stove before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup in individual bowls garnished with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea for a perfect meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in this dish come primarily from the rice and okra. One serving of Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

The fats in this dish come from the chicken and oil used for cooking. One serving of Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup contains approximately 10 grams of fat.

Proteins

The protein in this dish comes from the chicken. One serving of Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This dish is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the lemon and tomatoes, as well as iron and calcium from the chicken and okra.

Alergens

This recipe contains chicken and may not be suitable for those with poultry allergies.

Summary

Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a delicious option for a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Summary

Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its tangy lemon flavor, tender chicken, and hearty okra, this soup is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, it left a lasting impression on me. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my dear friend Sarah in her cozy little kitchen. As soon as I walked in, I was greeted by the most amazing aroma of lemons and herbs. Curious, I asked Sarah what she was cooking, and she replied with a smile, "Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup."

I had never heard of such a combination before, but something about the freshness of the lemon and the earthiness of the okra intrigued me. Sarah told me that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had passed it down through generations. She graciously shared the recipe with me, and I knew I had to give it a try myself.

The next day, I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work in my own kitchen. I started by sautéing onions and garlic in a large pot until they were fragrant and golden brown. Then, I added in chunks of chicken breast and allowed them to brown slightly before pouring in homemade chicken broth.

As the soup simmered, I added in slices of fresh okra and let them cook until they were tender. The final touch was a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkling of chopped parsley. The result was a light and flavorful soup that was perfect for a summer evening.

I served the soup to my family that night, and they couldn't get enough of it. The tangy lemon, the tender chicken, and the earthy okra all worked together perfectly to create a dish that was both comforting and refreshing. From that moment on, Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup became a staple in our household.

As the years went by, I continued to make the soup for my family and friends, each time adding my own twist to the recipe. Sometimes I would add in a pinch of cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, or I would substitute the chicken for shrimp for a lighter version. No matter how I made it, the soup always brought smiles to the faces of those who enjoyed it.

One day, I had the opportunity to share my recipe with a group of young aspiring chefs at a local cooking class. As I demonstrated how to make the soup, I could see the excitement and curiosity in their eyes. It was a joy to pass on this recipe that had brought me so much happiness over the years.

I told them the story of how I had learned the recipe from my dear friend Sarah and how it had become a cherished dish in my family. I encouraged them to experiment with the flavors and make the recipe their own, just as I had done.

As the class came to an end, I could see that the students were eager to go home and try the recipe for themselves. I knew that Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup would continue to be passed down through the generations, just as it had been for me.

And so, as I sit here in my kitchen, stirring a pot of Lemony Chicken and Okra Soup, I am filled with gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy to my life. It may have started with a simple visit to a friend's kitchen, but it has grown into a tradition that I will always hold dear.