Okra Fish Stew: Uncovering the Secrets of a West African Classic in Benin

As I traveled to Benin, my curiosity was piqued by the prospect of experiencing the authentic flavors and techniques behind traditional West African okra stew. Little did I know that this culinary journey would also take me on a trip down memory lane, connecting the dots between the origins of Louisiana gumbo and its West African roots.

Growing up in New Orleans, I was raised on the rich and spicy flavors of Cajun and Creole cuisine, with gumbo being a staple dish at every family gathering. But as I delved deeper into the history of okra stew, I began to notice subtle differences between the version I knew so well and the one I encountered in Benin.

One surprising ingredient that caught my attention was the addition of cheese to the traditional West African okra stew. As a Louisiana-born Cajun who has spent his life cooking and eating gumbo, I never thought I'd see fried cheese going into a traditional dish, let alone an okra stew. Yet, in Benin, cheese is a common ingredient that adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture to the hearty stew.

Beyond the use of cheese, other ingredients also stood out as distinct from the Louisiana gumbo I knew. The fish used in West African okra stew was fresh and flavorful, with a delicate balance of spices and herbs that added depth and complexity to the dish. In contrast, my own gumbo recipe typically relies on andouille sausage or chicken as its protein base.

As I sat down to enjoy a steaming bowl of okra fish stew in Benin, I couldn't help but think about the journey that brought this dish from West Africa to Louisiana and beyond. The enslaved Africans who brought okra with them to the Caribbean and the US South must have carried their culinary traditions with them, adapting to new ingredients and cooking techniques along the way.

For me, experiencing this traditional West African okra stew was a humbling reminder of the rich cultural heritage that lies at the heart of Louisiana cuisine. While I may be a proud Cajun who loves his gumbo, I now appreciate the subtle nuances and flavors that have been lost in translation over time. Okra fish stew is more than just a delicious meal – it's a testament to the power of food to connect us across cultures and continents.

I hope you enjoy this article!