Okra and Tomato Bean Soup

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A light and flavorful Nigerian soup made with fresh okra, tomatoes, and beans, perfect as a starter or side. This nigerian-inspired soups ready in about 40 minutes pairs okra, medium tomatoes, (15 oz) red beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 200 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 Nigerian cuisine 200 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Trim and slice 1 cup okra into 1/2-inch pieces. Cut 3 medium tomatoes into small chunks.
  2. Step 2: In a pot, heat 1/4 cup palm oil over medium heat. Add 1 large chopped onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch grated ginger. Sauté for 5 minutes until soft and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 chopped tomatoes and cook for 8 minutes until they break down and oil separates from the mixture.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon curry powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add okra and cook for 5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Pour in 2 cups chicken broth, bring to a gentle simmer, and add 1 can (15 oz) red beans (rinsed and drained). Cook for 15 minutes until okra is tender.
  6. Step 6: Adjust seasoning and serve hot.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Okra and Tomato Bean Soup take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Okra and Tomato Bean Soup?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep okra from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Okra and Tomato Bean Soup?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Okra and Tomato Bean Soup for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Okra and Tomato Bean Soup?

Nigerian soups like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

What others are saying

Related recipes