NIGERIA is blessed with vegetables, both draw leaf and non-draw ones. Among the draw vegetables is the okra leaf, popularly known as Ilasa in Yorubaland. In Igboora, in the Ibarapa area of Oyo State, the most favourite delicacy is Ilasa soup with amala. The people of the town even believe that consumption of this delicacy facilitates multiple births. If you like, you can also cook ewedu with the okra leaves. This will give you a very good taste. Do you want to find out whether Igboora people’s belief is a myth or fact? Try Ilasa soup.
Ingredients for ilasa soup
- Assorted meat
- Dried or fresh okra leaves
Fresh tomatoes
- Fresh pepper
- Tatase
- Egusi (ground)
- Palm oil
- Seasoning
- Crayfish
- Water
- Salt
Steps to cooking ilasa soup
- Put water in a pot and add egusi. Boil for about 15 minutes.
- Add chopped okra leaves. Whisk with a cooking broom. The outcome will look like ewedu.
- Add crayfish, one cubes seasoning and salt to taste. Turn off heat.
ALSO READ: Asun: A way of preparing your meat differently this Sallah
Assorted meat stew
Wash your assorted meat thoroughly and put in a pot. Add salt, onion, seasoning and water. Stir, cover and leave to boil until meat is tender. Remove meat from the stock and set aside. Thereafter, heat some palm oil, then add blended mixture of tomatoes, rodo, tatase and onion.
Add assorted meat. Cook for another 10-15 minutes.
Serve the okra leaves and assorted meat stew side by side.
Eat with amala, eba or any solid food of your choice. You will relish the meal.
and then