Unlike other African regions that mix okra with fish and other exotic meats, the Zimbabwean traditional okra is very simple and economical as you only need minimal ingredients to prepare it. It is easy, economical, and can be prepared in a very short time.
I love okra and I find myself feeling so nostalgic when I see okra pictures. I am glad you can now find okra anywhere in the UK, fresh or frozen in the main UK supermarkets. So there goes my nostalgia, flying out of the window.
So here is a simple okra recipe passed on to me by my grandmother, Gogo Eva. Always love you Gogo, the Landlord of 41 Cavon Drive Southerton (aka paShabeen pa41).
To begin with, you need fresh okra, washed and leave in a colander to drain excess water.
Chop the okra neatly on a chopping board
Ingredients
300g chopped okra (any amount will do depending on the number of people you are making it for, however you may need to double up in the rest of the ingredients below)
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 cup fresh tomatoes chopped
1 medium spring onion chopped
3/4 cup water.
1/2 tsp salt
1 small finger chilli chopped
1/2 ground black pepper
Instructions
1. In a medium sized saucepan,heat water until its boiling,then add the soda, it should foam up as you add it to the water.
2.Add the chopped okra and whisk or beat with a wooden spoon for 3mins ,,add the spring onions,tomatoes ,chillies, pepper and salt and continue whisking.Cook for a further 3-5 mins whisking through.
3. Put aside to cool down and serve with sadza.
If you do not like hot food leave out the finger chillies as they are very hot. Serve with Sadza and garnish if too prefer it
Ivy's Kitchenette (A Taste of Zimbabwe)f 