Okàn Bluffton

West African Gumbo

In Africa, gumbo means okra – and we can’t think of a more Lowcountry ingredient than that. Chef Bernard Bennet shared his recipe for Okàn’s gumbo, which is an okra and tomato stew with grilled shrimp. “No roux can be found like this,” he explained. “The chicken sausage adds some meaty heartiness and the green onion ties everything together.” 

Ingredients

1 eggplant

2 ribs celery, diced

1 cup okra

1 habanero

1/2 cup palm oil

1 onion, diced

15 ounces canned tomatoes, blended

6 ounces chicken sausage, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 tablespoon urfa chili

2 quarts seafood stock

Grilled shrimp

Oysters

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons pepper

Green onion (garnish)

Directions

[1] Take palm oil and heat until melted. Add in tomato paste and cook for 3-5 minutes to create a caramelization. [2] Add in eggplant, celery, green peppers, urfa, habanero and onion. Sauté for about 5 minutes. [3] Add in okra, tomato, seafood stock, salt and pepper. Cook on medium heat for 8 minutes until thickened. [4] Add in oysters and cook an additional minute. Ladle in bowls, add grilled shrimp and garnish with green onion.

Delicious ways to enjoy okra

Known as the crown jewel of Southern cuisine, okra is a versatile vegetable that brings flavor, texture and a dash of Southern nostalgia to the table. Whether you’re looking to fry it, pickle it or give it a fresh twist, here are some tasty ways to make the most of this humble pod.

Fry it: Toss sliced okra in seasoned cornmeal or flour, then fry until golden and crispy. A classic Southern favorite.

Grill it: Skewer whole okra pods, brush with olive oil, sprinkle with your favorite spices and grill until lightly charred and tender.

Roast it: Spread okra on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper and roast at 400 degrees until crispy on the edges.

Pickle it: Pack okra pods into jars with garlic, dill and spices, then cover with a hot vinegar brine for a tangy, crunchy snack.

Stew it: Simmer sliced okra with tomatoes, onions and a pinch of cayenne for a hearty, flavorful side dish.

Curry it: Add okra to a pot of simmering spices, tomatoes and coconut milk for a rich and aromatic curry.

Bake it: Layer okra in a casserole with breadcrumbs, cheese and spices, then bake until bubbly and golden.

Stuff it: Slice okra lengthwise, stuff with seasoned ground meat or cheese, and bake or grill until tender.

Make chips: Thinly slice okra, season and bake or air-fry until crispy for a healthy snack.

Add to soup: Stir okra into vegetable or chicken soups to add flavor and thicken the broth naturally.