Authentic Okok Recipe: An Exquisite Taste of Cameroon Cuisine

Ingredients

  • 4 fresh okok leaves
  • 500 grams of egusi (melon seeds)
  • 1 large onion
  • 4 cloves of garlic
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder
  • 2 cubes of Maggi (or any other seasoning of your choice)
  • 1 liter of water
  • 250 grams of smoked fish
  • 500 grams of assorted meat (beef, goat, chicken)
  • 250 grams of crayfish
  • 1 cup of palm oil

Steps and instructions

  1. First, wash the okok leaves thoroughly and set them aside.
  2. Grind the egusi seeds into a fine powder.
  3. Peel and chop the onion and garlic finely.
  4. In a large pot, heat up the palm oil over medium heat.
  5. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pot and sauté until they become translucent.
  6. Add the ground egusi to the pot and stir continuously for about 5 minutes.
  7. Add the smoked fish and assorted meat to the pot and continue stirring for another 5 minutes.
  8. Next, add the crayfish, Maggi cubes, chili powder, and salt to the pot. Mix everything together and let it cook for about 10 minutes.
  9. After 10 minutes, add the water to the pot and stir. Allow the soup to simmer for about 15 minutes.
  10. Finally, add the okok leaves to the pot, stir and let it cook for an additional 10 minutes.
  11. After 10 minutes, your Okok soup should be ready. Adjust the seasoning if necessary and serve the soup warm.

Tools for making

  • Cutting board - Used for chopping and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting and slicing ingredients.
  • Large pot - Used for cooking the soup.
  • Grinder or blender - Needed to grind the egusi seeds into a fine powder.
  • Stirring spoon - Used for stirring the soup while cooking.
  • Measuring spoons - Required for accurately measuring out the salt, chili powder, and other seasonings.
  • Measuring cups - Used for measuring out the palm oil and water.
  • Soup ladle - Used for serving the cooked Okok soup.
  • Sieve - Needed for straining the crayfish before adding it to the soup.
  • Kitchen timer - Useful for keeping track of cooking times.

Recipe variations

  • Use spinach or kale instead of okok leaves.
  • Substitute egusi with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds.
  • Add vegetables like diced carrots, bell peppers, or green beans for extra color and flavor.
  • Replace the meat with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian/vegan version.
  • Experiment with different types of smoked fish such as smoked mackerel or smoked salmon.
  • Add prawns or shrimp to the soup for a seafood twist.
  • Include traditional Nigerian spices like uziza or scent leaves for a more authentic taste.
  • Add ground crayfish or dried shrimp for an additional depth of flavor.
  • For a spicier version, increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chili peppers.
  • Use coconut oil instead of palm oil for a different flavor profile.

Recipe overview

This recipe is for Okok, a traditional soup from Cameroon that's packed with flavor and nutrition. Okok is made with a variety of ingredients including fresh okok leaves, egusi (melon seeds), smoked fish, and assorted meat, creating a rich and hearty dish that's sure to satisfy. The preparation process involves cooking the ingredients in a single pot, infusing the soup with the flavors of each component. It's a relatively straightforward recipe, but the results are anything but simple. The finished Okok soup is rich, savory, and slightly spicy, with a unique texture given by the okok leaves and egusi. It's often served warm, perfect for a comforting dinner on a cold day. Whether you're familiar with Cameroonian cuisine or not, this Okok soup recipe is a must-try. Expect a culinary adventure that's as satisfying to make as it is to eat. Enjoy!

Common questions

  1. Can I use dried okok leaves instead of fresh? No, for this recipe it is best to use fresh okok leaves. Dried okok leaves might alter the taste and texture of the soup.
  2. Can I substitute egusi with another type of seed? While egusi is traditionally used in this recipe, you can experiment with other seeds like pumpkin or sunflower seeds, but keep in mind that the taste and consistency of the soup may vary.
  3. Can I use vegetable oil instead of palm oil? Palm oil adds a distinct flavor to the Okok soup, but if you don't have access to palm oil, you can use vegetable oil as a substitute. However, the taste might be slightly different.
  4. Can I omit the meat and make a vegetarian version of this soup? Yes, you can omit the meat and make a vegetarian version. Simply exclude the smoked fish and assorted meat from the recipe and increase the quantity of vegetables or add tofu or plant-based protein substitutes if desired.
  5. How can I adjust the spiciness of the soup? If you prefer a spicier soup, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh chili peppers to the recipe. Conversely, if you prefer it less spicy, reduce the amount of chili powder or omit it altogether.
  6. Can I freeze Okok soup? Yes, Okok soup can be frozen for later use. Allow it to cool completely, transfer to an airtight container, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Okok, also known as eru, is a delicious soup that originates from the rainforest region of Cameroon. It is a traditional dish especially loved by the Bayangi people of the South West region. Interestingly, Okok is not only known for its distinct taste but also for its nutritional values. The leaves used in this recipe are packed with vitamins and minerals which contribute to a healthy diet. The soup is usually served with fufu, a starchy accompaniment, and it's enjoyed as a communal meal, fostering a sense of unity and love within families and communities. So when you're eating Okok, you're not just nourishing your body, you're also participating in a longstanding tradition of community and togetherness.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.