Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup

Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup Recipe from Chad with Lemons, Okra, and Chicken

Region / culture: Chad | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. The combination of tangy lemon, tender chicken, and hearty okra creates a flavorful and satisfying soup that is sure to warm you up from the inside out.

History

This recipe has its roots in traditional Middle Eastern cuisine, where the combination of lemon and okra is a popular flavor pairing. The addition of chicken and rice makes it a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for cold winter nights.

Ingredients

2 lemons, juiced
2 cups sliced okra
1 broiler chicken (2.5 lb or 1.13 kg)
0.33 cup uncooked long grain rice
6 cups chicken broth or water
2 tsp salt
1 large onion, peeled and chopped
0.25 tsp pepper
3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
0.5 tsp ground red pepper
1 can tomato paste
1 tsp ground turmeric

How to prepare

Cut the broiler-fryer Chicken into pieces.
If using a can of okra, drain it well.
Rub lemon juice over the Chicken pieces.
Put the Chicken pieces in a large kettle with chicken broth or water.
Bring it to a boil.
Lower the heat and cook it slowly, covered, for 12 minutes.
Add the remaining ingredients and continue to cook it slowly for about 30 minutes, until the Chicken and rice are tender.
Remove the Chicken pieces and debone them.
Cut the meat into small pieces and return them to the kettle.

Variations

Add a handful of fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a burst of freshness.
Spice up the soup with a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like carrots and bell peppers.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor in this soup.

- If you don't have okra on hand, you can substitute with green beans or another green vegetable.

- To save time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking a whole chicken.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

To save time, use a rotisserie chicken or pre-cooked chicken breasts instead of cooking a whole chicken.

- Be sure to simmer the soup slowly to allow the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find okra, you can substitute with green beans or another green vegetable.

- Use chicken broth instead of water for a richer flavor in the soup.

Make Ahead Tips

Lemony Chicken-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

Garnish the soup with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Serve Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup with a side of warm pita bread and a simple cucumber salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of Lemony Chicken-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

Each serving of Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup contains approximately 20 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup contains approximately 8 grams of fat.

Proteins

Each serving of Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup contains approximately 25 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This soup is rich in vitamin C from the lemon juice and tomatoes, as well as iron and calcium from the chicken and okra.

Alergens

This recipe contains no common allergens, but be sure to check for any specific allergies before serving.

Summary

Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup is a nutritious and balanced meal that is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals. It is a healthy and satisfying option for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Lemony Chicken-Okra Soup is a flavorful and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With its tangy lemon, tender chicken, and hearty okra, this soup is sure to warm you up and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this nutritious and delicious meal with your family and friends!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is one that will always be special to me. It was a warm summer day, much like today, and I was visiting my dear friend Maria in her cozy little cottage by the sea. Maria was a fantastic cook, and I always loved spending time in her kitchen, watching her effortlessly whip up delicious meals.

On this particular day, Maria had a pot of steaming lemony chicken-okra soup simmering on the stove. The aroma was intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to try a bowl. As I sat at her kitchen table, savoring every spoonful of the tangy, savory broth, Maria told me the story behind the recipe.

She explained that the recipe had been passed down through generations in her family, originating from her great-grandmother who had learned it from a Greek neighbor many years ago. Maria had added her own twist to the recipe over the years, and it had become a beloved favorite among her family and friends.

I was immediately smitten with the soup and begged Maria to share the recipe with me. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed, but on one condition - that I promise to make it with love and share it with others.

I eagerly accepted her terms, and Maria handed me a weathered old recipe card, handwritten in elegant script. She walked me through each step of the process, from browning the chicken in olive oil to adding the fresh okra and zesty lemon juice. As I cooked alongside her, I felt a sense of connection to the generations of women who had lovingly prepared this soup before me.

After a few hours of simmering on the stove, the soup was ready. Maria ladled a steaming bowlful into a ceramic bowl and handed it to me. I took a sip, and my taste buds exploded with the flavors of tender chicken, tangy lemon, and earthy okra. It was pure magic in a bowl.

From that day on, Maria's lemony chicken-okra soup became a staple in my own kitchen. I made it for my family, friends, and neighbors, always following Maria's advice to cook with love and share with others. The soup became a symbol of warmth and comfort, a dish that brought people together and nourished both body and soul.

Over the years, I added my own touches to the recipe, experimenting with different herbs, spices, and vegetables. I shared the soup with my grandchildren, who were always eager to help me in the kitchen, stirring the pot and tasting the broth to make sure it was just right. They learned the recipe by heart, just as I had learned it from Maria, and the tradition continued through the generations.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen, preparing a pot of lemony chicken-okra soup for dinner, I can't help but feel grateful for the day I discovered this recipe. It has brought so much joy and connection into my life, connecting me to the past while creating new memories for the future.

As the soup simmers on the stove, filling the air with its irresistible aroma, I can't help but smile. I know that as I serve this soup to my loved ones, I am passing on a piece of my own story, a piece of my heart. And that, to me, is the true magic of cooking.