At a glance
- Rice pilaf with okra: long-grain rice cooked with tomato, onion and tender okra
- Origin: Guadeloupe and Martinique, Caribbean
- Key ingredients: long-grain rice, fresh okra, tomato, onion
- Main dish, often served with grilled fish or a spiced meat
Origins and cultural history of rice pilaf with okra
Okra originates in East Africa, between what are now Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan. It crossed the Atlantic with the slave trade: its presence is documented in Brazil as early as 1658, then in Suriname in 1686. Integrated into the Creole cuisine of the French Caribbean, it became a staple vegetable in Guadeloupe and Martinique.
In the Caribbean, it classically accompanies rice, salt cod or smoked bacon, and rice with okra is most often cooked using the pilaf method: the rice is sautéed for a few minutes before being moistened with stock and cooked covered.
What are the key ingredients of rice pilaf with okra
The recipe combines long-grain rice, fresh okra and a few aromatics, moistened with stock using the pilaf method: sautéed, then cooked covered in a measured amount of liquid.
- Long-grain rice
- Fresh okra
- Tomato and onion
- Sweet or cayenne pepper
- Chicken stock
What to know about riz pilaf aux gombos
Riz pilaf aux gombos is an Antillean dish from Guadeloupe and Martinique: long-grain rice cooked with tomato, onion and fresh okra that turns soft and melting. It follows the pilaf method: the rice is first sautéed for a few minutes, then moistened with chicken stock and cooked covered. It is served as a main dish, on its own or with grilled fish, salt cod or spiced meat.
Frequently asked questions about rice pilaf with okra
What is the origin of okra in Caribbean cuisine?
Okra originates in East Africa. It reached the Caribbean with the slave trade, at a time when its presence is already documented in Brazil as early as 1658 and in Suriname in 1686, and has since become part of Creole cuisine as a staple vegetable.
What to serve with rice pilaf with okra?
This dish pairs well with grilled fish, salt cod or spiced meats. It is also served on its own, as a main dish, for a simple and complete meal.
Where to find the ingredients for rice pilaf with okra in France?
NKOSI sells the rice, ground chilli, powdered stock and lime juice used in this recipe and ships them from the Paris area within 24 to 72 working hours, to mainland France (2 to 3 working days) and to ten European countries. The minimum order is 39 €: in France, delivery to a pickup point is then free, and home delivery is free from 69 €.
