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    Haitian Food » Okra Rice

    Okra Rice

    Posted On November 10, 2020 By Mirlene Last updated January 21, 2021 10 Comments

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    Okra and Rice Recipe Pinterest Pin

    Okra Rice is a popular Caribbean side dish that blows plain old rice out of the water.

    • okra rice recipe in blue bowl

    Vibrant and full of flavor, this okra perloo will help you add a bit of variety to your meals while packing in plenty of vitamins and minerals along the way.

    Our Okra Rice recipe is fast, budget friendly and all cooked in one pan, making post-dinner cleanup a breeze.

    Okra

    Sometimes known as Ladies’ Fingers, okra is actually the seed pod of a plant that is used frequently in Caribbean, Indian and Southern recipes.

    Okra is one of those love-it-or-hate-it ingredients. While its flavor is fairly mild, once cooked it can take on a certain sliminess (which is actually great for thickening up stews and soups!)

    In this recipe, frying the okra for a few minutes helps to eliminate that slimy texture.

    • Okra rice in white bowl

    Okra is well worth trying, not just for its unique taste but also for its long list of nutritional benefits. It is a rich source of dietary fiber with plenty of vitamin A, vitamin C and many essential minerals like iron, calcium and magnesium.

    Rice

    This recipe is great for using up any half-used bags of rice that you have sitting in the cupboard, as it works with several different varieties including long grain and basmati (it also makes it pretty easy on the wallet). You could even use brown rice if you would prefer. Just try and avoid medium or short grain rice, as these will stick together in your pan.

    • Rice and Orange in blue bowl

    The broth in this recipe helps to give the rice an extra helping of deliciousness. Don’t be tempted to skip the step of toasting the uncooked rice in the pan before you add your liquid. This enhances the nutty taste of the grains, adding even more flavor to your end dish. 

    What can I Serve With Okra Rice?

    This recipe is a versatile side dish that could be served alongside almost any meat or fish, particularly when cooked with similar Caribbean-inspired herbs and spices. Because it is so flavorsome, this Okra Rice recipe can even be served on its own as a vegetarian lunch or light dinner dish.

    • rice and okra in instant pot

    Okra Perloo Tips and Tricks

    Tempting as it may be, try not to over-stir your rice mixture as it is cooking. Hence why this rice is perfect in the instant pot. If you were to make this okra rice recipe on the stove, make sure you are using a low heat and a tight-fitting lid, and stir gently after 15 minutes. Stir much more than that and you will activate the starch in the rice and make it mushy.

    As this recipe has Caribbean origins, there is a fair amount of spice involved. However, it’s totally adaptable according to your preferences, so if you’re not overly keen on spicy food, start with small amounts and work your way up, tasting as you go. If you are cooking for kids, you can always omit the chilli completely.

    More Okra Recipes You’ll Enjoy

    If you loved this okra rice / okra perloo recipe, try these Crispy Air Fryer Fried Okra Recipe next.

    OTHER VEGAN RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY

    Haitian Black Rice

    Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Air fryer brussels sprouts

    Air Fryer Plantain Chips

    Air fryer roasted chickpeas 

    Tabbouleh Salad

    We’d especially would love to know if you tried this recipe, tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.

    Also, we would appreciate if could give it a star rating below!

    Rice and Orange in blue bowl

    Instant Pot Okra And Rice Recipe

    Savory Thoughts
    Okra Rice is a popular Caribbean side dish that blows plain old rice out of the water. Learn how to cook okra and rice in the instant pot perfectly each time. So delicious and soft.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 8 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 23 mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine Haitian, International
    Servings 6 People
    Calories 180 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 Lb. Okra Sliced
    • 3 Cups Jasmine Rice Washed / Rinsed
    • 3 Cups Water
    • 3 Garlic Cloves Minced or chopped
    • 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste
    • ⅓ Cup Haitian Epis
    • 2 Tbsp. Oil Olive oil is okay to use
    • 1 ½ Tsp. Kosher Salt Or to taste
    • ½ Tsp. Black Pepper Or to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Wash and rince the rice. Set aside. On the Instant Pot, click on the sautee button and adjust the time 30 minutes. Add the oil and add the okra. Cook for 3 minutes. Next, add the tomato paste, epis and garlic. Stir and cook for 2 more minutes.
      Add the rice. Mix well. Then add the water, season with salt and pepper.
      Okra sauce in pot
    • Place the lid on the pot and turn the knob to sealing. Click on cancel, then press the rice button. Click on rice again so that the light is on the more button. The time should show 15 minutes.
      Quick release, fluff with a fork. Serve and enjoy.
      rice and okra in instant pot
    • Serve and enjoy.
      Rice and Orange in blue bowl

    Video

    Notes

    Cooking Recipe Notes: 

    Wash the rice until the water runs clear. 
     
    *** Calories are estimated per serving ***

    Nutrition

    Serving: 6PeopleCalories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 4gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 4mgSodium: 428mgPotassium: 266mgFiber: 3gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 13IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 8mg
    Making this recipe?Mention @MSavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
    Tried this recipe?Mention @SavoryThoughts or tag #SavoryThoughts!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Michelle

      December 02, 2020 at 5:08 pm

      5 stars
      This looks so fabulous and flavorful. I love okra, but wish it wasn’t so hard to find around here!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 02, 2020 at 6:22 pm

        Thank you very much, Michelle

        Reply
    2. Angela

      December 02, 2020 at 4:13 pm

      5 stars
      This rice looks delicious! The instant pot is so handy for quick cooking.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 02, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        The Instant Pot makes it so much easier to make.

        Reply
    3. Shanna

      December 02, 2020 at 4:01 pm

      5 stars
      This was so yummy!! It reminds me a lot of a recipe my grandmother used to make.

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 02, 2020 at 4:18 pm

        It makes me happy to hear that. Thank you.

        Reply
    4. Pam

      December 02, 2020 at 3:53 pm

      5 stars
      We love okra, but have never tried it this way. Can’t wait!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 02, 2020 at 4:17 pm

        Hope you get a chance to try it, Pam.

        Reply
    5. Toni Dash

      December 02, 2020 at 3:50 pm

      5 stars
      This is so good!! Love how flavorful it is!

      Reply
      • Mirlene

        December 02, 2020 at 4:17 pm

        So Glad you liked it Toni.

        Reply

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