Okra Soup(Use Big Soup Pot)

Prep: 20 min Cook: 120 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: Southern

A hearty okra soup with beef, corn, butter beans, and tomatoes, offering rich flavors and comforting warmth—perfect for family gatherings or soul-satisfying meals.

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 to 3 lb. beef shank with marrow bone and suet
  • 3 lb. chopped okra
  • 4 ears corn
  • 1 lb. butter beans
  • 1 large or 2 small cans tomatoes
  • 1 can tomato paste
  • 2 large onions
  • 4 or 5 bay leaves
  • 1 dried hot pepper

Instructions

  1. Cover beef with 3 inches of water, add bay leaves and hot pepper; bring to a rolling boil and cook for 1 hour.
  2. Add chopped okra, onions, tomatoes, and tomato paste; bring to a rolling boil again.
  3. After 30 minutes, add butter beans and corn.
  4. Cook for an additional 30 minutes, then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Can thin down if desired. The soup is also suitable for canning.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider browning the beef shank before boiling. You can substitute the butter beans with chickpeas or white beans if needed. If you prefer a spicier soup, add more dried hot peppers or even a pinch of cayenne. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can enhance the taste as well. This recipe can also be adapted by adding other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Okra Soup with crusty bread or over a bed of rice for a hearty meal. A sprinkle of fresh herbs can brighten the dish, while a squeeze of lemon juice adds a nice acidity. This soup pairs beautifully with French Beef Oven Stew for a comforting dinner spread. Consider serving it alongside a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftover Okra Soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers; it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the soup has thickened.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Okra Soup(Use Big Soup Pot) contains roughly 663 calories, with 18g protein, 99g carbohydrates, and 35g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (162% of the Daily Value), iron (148% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 45g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.

663 kcal 33% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 17.8g 36% DV
Total Fat 34.6g 44% DV
Carbs 98.7g 36% DV
Fiber 45.3g 100% DV
Sugar 13.3g 27% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 285mg 12% DV
Potassium 1327.3mg 28% DV
Cholesterol 33mg 11% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 349.6mcg 39% DV
Vitamin C 83.8mg 93% DV
Calcium 542.6mg 42% DV
Iron 26.6mg 100% DV
Diet fit High-fiber
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen okra instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen okra is a great alternative and will save you prep time. Just add it directly to the pot without thawing. Keep in mind that frozen okra may release more moisture, so adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.

What can I do if the soup is too thick?

If your soup turns out too thick, simply add more water or broth until it reaches your desired consistency. Remember to taste and adjust the seasoning afterward, as diluting might reduce the flavor intensity.

How can I make this soup vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the beef shank and use vegetable broth instead of water. You can enhance the flavor with mushrooms or a variety of beans, and still include all the vegetables for a hearty and satisfying soup.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

Beef recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →