Image Source: Inspired by The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women via Black Foodie Finder
A Rustic Southern Okra Soup Full of Comfort and Tradition
Simple, hearty, and packed with Southern flavor, Novella’s Okra Soup is a comforting one-pot meal that brings together smoky bacon, beef bones, tomatoes, barbecue sauce, and fresh okra. Slow-simmered until rich and savory, this family-style soup highlights the versatility of okra, an ingredient that has deep roots in African American culinary history and continues to be a staple in Southern kitchens.
Featured in The Black Family Reunion Cookbook, this recipe reflects the tradition of creating nourishing meals from simple, accessible ingredients. The combination of tomatoes, smoky meat, and tender okra creates a satisfying soup that’s perfect for feeding a crowd and celebrating the communal spirit of family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 10 bacon slices, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 5 cups water
- 1 can (28 ounces) tomatoes
- 1 pound beef neck bones
- ¼ cup barbecue sauce
- 1½ teaspoons salt
- 1¼ pounds okra, sliced
Makes: 16 servings
Step-by-Step Instructions
- In a large stockpot, sauté the chopped onion and bacon pieces until the onion softens and the bacon begins to render its flavor.
- Add the water, tomatoes, beef neck bones, barbecue sauce, and salt to the pot.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 1½ hours until the beef neck bones have flavored the broth.
- Stir in the sliced okra and continue simmering for 30 minutes, allowing the okra to become tender and the soup to thicken slightly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving hot.
Pro Tips & Suggestions
- Slice the okra evenly so it cooks uniformly throughout the soup.
- Simmer the beef neck bones to develop a rich, flavorful broth.
- Use fresh, young okra for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve with hot cornbread, hoe cakes, or crusty bread to soak up the savory broth.
- Make it a day ahead—the flavors become even richer after resting overnight in the refrigerator.
About the Creator
The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW) compiled The Black Family Reunion Cookbook to preserve African American culinary traditions through family recipes, regional specialties, and treasured food memories. The cookbook celebrates generations of home cooks whose recipes continue to nourish families while preserving the history, resilience, and rich heritage of Black American cuisine.
The Black Family Reunion Cookbook | National Council of Negro Women
Where to Find This Recipe
This recipe is adapted from The Black Family Reunion Cookbook: Recipes & Food Memories by the National Council of Negro Women, Inc. This celebrated cookbook features hundreds of cherished family recipes, Heritage Recipes, and regional favorites that preserve the rich culinary traditions of African American families while celebrating the joy of gathering around the table.
