Rice with Okra and Spinach (Rice Soup with Okra) is a traditional Liberian recipe for a classic accompaniment of boiled rice blended with boiled okra and spinach. The full recipe is presented here and I hope you enjoy this classic Liberian version of: Rice with Okra and Spinach.
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Ingredients:
200g of okra, washed and 'topped and tailed'
200g spinach, chopped
200g of rice, washed until the water runs clear
generous pinch of baking soda
Salt to taste
Method:
If you like the sticky texture this rice dish with Liberian okra and spinach is for you. Otherwise, it is better to choose another recipe. The okra or okra has a very sticky texture and an excellent taste. This dish is a side dish for a meat (not for me) or a grilled fish. It is a very light dish because it does not enter any form of fat, gluten-free and lactose-free too. It is a vegan dish itself. I liked it very much because it took me off the beaten track and you really feel the African cuisine with original textures and tastes.
Slice the okra then set in a pan with a generous pinch of baking powder. Set over medium heat then pour over boiling water. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and continue cooking for about 15 minutes. Five minutes before the end of cooking add the spinach leaves.
At the same time, cook the rice with 300ml water and a little salt, simmering covered for 12 minutes. Take off the heat and set aside to steam for 10 minutes so that all the liquid is absorbed.
Pour the spinach and okra mixture into a colander and set aside to drain.
Transfer the rice to the pan used to cook the spinach and okra, add in the drained vegetables, fluff to mix then cover the pan and set aside to steam for 5 minutes more.
Fluff the rice and serve turned into a warmed serving dish as an accompaniment.
