Southern Okra & Serrano Chili Soup

Guy’s Veggie Soup (Not Vegetarian)

Description

Guy, my husband from the heart of Oklahoma, has always had a special place in his heart for traditional Southern flavors. As a Californian who hadn’t tasted okra until we met, I was introduced to this unique vegetable through Guy. In return, I introduced him to the fiery kick of Serrano chilies. The result of this flavorful exchange is Guy’s Veggie Soup, a delightful blend of Southern comfort and Southwestern heat that brings together okra, Serrano chilies, and a medley of savory ingredients into a robust and satisfying soup. This recipe seamlessly combines the earthy richness of okra with the spiciness of Serrano chilies, all brought together in a hearty broth that is perfect for a cozy meal.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil 🌿
• 2 cans chicken broth 🥄
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) chopped tomatoes 🍅
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped 🧅
• 4 stalks celery, diced 🌿
• 1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced 🍄
• 1 cup okra, sliced 🌶️
• 8 slices bacon, diced 🥓
• 2-4 Serrano chilies, sliced 🌶️ (adjust based on your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder 🌶️
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 🧂
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder 🧄
• Salt to taste 🧂

Instructions

1. Heat the Olive Oil: In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium-high heat.

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2. Cook the Bacon and Vegetables: Add the diced bacon to the pot, cooking until it becomes crispy. Once the bacon is crispy, remove it with a slotted spoon and set aside. In the remaining bacon fat, sauté the chopped sweet onion and diced celery until the vegetables become tender and fragrant.

3. Add the Main Ingredients: To the pot, add the okra, Serrano chilies (starting with 2 slices and adding more based on your preferred spice level), chili powder, black pepper, and garlic powder. Pour in one can of chicken broth and stir well to combine.

4. Simmer the Soup: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the okra is tender.

5. Incorporate Tomatoes and Additional Broth: Add the second can of chicken broth and the can of chopped tomatoes to the pot. Stir to combine and continue simmering on low heat for an additional 20 minutes.

6. Add Mushrooms: Stir in the fresh mushrooms and let the soup simmer for another 10 minutes.

7. Adjust Seasonings: Taste the soup and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the soup needs more salt, add it at this point. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more chicken broth to achieve your desired texture.

8. Final Simmer: Let the soup simmer for an additional 10 minutes to allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

9. Serve: Ladle the hot soup into bowls and enjoy! This soup pairs wonderfully with a warm loaf of fresh sourdough bread and a pat of butter.

Notes

• Adjust Spice Levels: The number of Serrano chilies can be adjusted based on your tolerance for heat. Start with fewer chilies if you prefer a milder soup, and add more if you like it spicier.

• Consistency: If the soup becomes too thick, simply stir in additional chicken broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

• Leftovers: This soup keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be frozen for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.

Enjoy the comforting flavors of Guy’s Veggie Soup, a perfect blend of Southern and Southwestern tastes that will warm you up from the inside out! 🍲✨