Authentic West African Okra
Shrimp Stew

Experience the vibrant flavors of West Africa with this hearty okra and shrimp stew. Featuring a rich tomato-chili base and tender whole shrimp, it is a deeply comforting and savory dish.

Ingredients

• to taste green and red chilies
• 3-4 whole fresh tomatoes
• 3 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 large red onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp ginger
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 300 g whole raw shrimp
• 1 cup water
• 400 g fresh okra
• to taste salt

Instructions

1. 1Mash chilies and tomatoes

   

   Combine chopped green and red chilies with fresh tomatoes in a wooden mortar. Use a wooden pestle to mash them together into a coarse, vibrant mixture, releasing their juices and essential flavors.

   Tip: Mash to a textured consistency rather than a complete purée to maintain a traditional rustic feel.
2. 2Sauté the onions

   

   Heat cooking oil in a white pot over medium heat. Add the diced red onions and sauté them continuously until they become translucent, soften, and start to caramelize nicely.

   Tip: Keep the heat at medium so the onions sweeten and caramelize evenly without burning.
3. 3Add garlic and ginger

   

   Add the sliced garlic and minced ginger into the pot with the caramelized diced onions, stirring well to combine and infuse the flavors.

   Tip: Add the garlic and ginger after the onions are caramelized to prevent the garlic from burning and turning bitter.
4. 4Add tomato paste

   

   Squeeze red tomato paste directly from the bottle into the sautéed onion and garlic mixture. Stir well and fry for a short moment until the paste releases its aroma and darkens slightly in color.

   Tip: Stir continuously after adding the paste to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
5. 5Pour in the tomato and chili mixture

   

   Pour the freshly mashed tomato and chili mixture from a metal bowl directly into the pot with the aromatic base. Combine thoroughly and let it simmer on low heat to develop a rich foundation.

   Tip: Allow the raw tomato and chili juices to cook down and meld with the caramelized base for about 10 minutes.
6. 6Add the whole shrimp

   

   Add raw, grey whole shrimp into the simmering red tomato sauce. Pour in a little water, then let it cook for a few minutes before incorporating the remaining ingredients.

   Tip: Ensure the shrimp are evenly distributed in the sauce so they cook uniformly.
7. 7Pour in water

   

   Pour clear water from a small bowl into the pan containing the shrimp and flavorful sauce to create the base of the stew.

   Tip: Add water gradually if you want to control the consistency of your sauce.
8. 8Add chopped okra

   

   Slide freshly chopped green okra from a white plate straight into the bubbling shrimp stew.

   Tip: Fresh okra adds a wonderful texture and acts as a natural thickener for the stew.
9. 9Cover and simmer

   

   Place a glass lid securely onto the white pot to cover the contents and allow the stew to simmer gently.

   Tip: Covering the pot helps trap the heat and cooks the okra evenly.
10. 10Season with salt

    

    Sprinkle a spoonful of salt right into the thick, cooked okra and shrimp stew to enhance all the flavors.

    Tip: Add salt near the end of cooking so you can properly gauge the reduced flavor of the stew.
11. 11Serve the stew

    

    Scoop a large portion of the finished, thick okra and shrimp stew using a metal ladle straight from the pot.

    Tip: Serve this delicious West African delicacy warm while it is thick and flavorful.

Storage & Reheating

Burn It Off

Frequently Asked Questions