A Classic Southern Okra Soup Filled with Garden-Fresh Flavor
Okra Soup is a comforting Southern classic that combines fresh vegetables, smoky ham, and bacon into a rich, hearty broth. With tender okra, ripe tomatoes, celery, onions, and simple seasonings, this one-pot meal celebrates the abundance of the garden while delivering bold, home-cooked flavor. It’s a satisfying soup that’s perfect any time of year but especially delicious during okra season.
Featured in Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon, this recipe reflects the traditions of Southern kitchens where fresh produce and simple ingredients were transformed into nourishing family meals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups okra
- 1 ham bone
- 1 cup celery
- 1/2 green pepper (chopped)
- 1/2 onion (chopped)
- 4 Tablespoons bacon drippings
- 4 tomatoes (ripe)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 6 cups boiling water
Instructions
- Slice the okra and celery into bite-sized pieces.
- Chop the green pepper and onion.
- Heat the bacon drippings in a large soup pot over medium heat.
- Add the chopped green pepper and onion, cooking until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
- Place the ham bone into the pot and pour in the boiling water.
- Stir in the browned vegetables and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Quarter the ripe tomatoes and add them to the pot along with the sliced okra and celery.
- Season with the salt and brown sugar.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for about 1 hour, allowing the flavors to blend and the vegetables to become tender.
- Remove the ham bone before serving. If desired, shred any remaining meat from the bone and return it to the soup.
Serves: 5
Closing Summary / Pro Tips
- A hearty Southern soup featuring fresh okra, tomatoes, and smoky ham.
- Bacon drippings create a rich, savory base full of classic Southern flavor.
- Fresh garden vegetables make this recipe ideal during harvest season.
- Serve with cornbread or crusty bread for a complete comfort meal.
About the Creator
Ethel Rayson Dixon, a Louisiana native, shares recipes inspired by generations of Southern home cooking. Her cookbook highlights comforting dishes rooted in Black culinary traditions and celebrates the warmth of homemade meals prepared with simple ingredients and care.
Ethel Rayson Dixon | Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from Big Mama’s Old Black Pot Recipes by Ethel Rayson Dixon.
Find more amazing recipes like this in the book, available through local booksellers and online retailers.
