Djoumble is a traditional Sauce from Ivory Coast / Côte d’Ivoire – As a staple of Ivorian food, it goes with most dishes.

Okra, also known as “lady’s fingers,” is a green flowering plant which belongs to the same plant family as hibiscus and cotton. The term “okra” most commonly refers to the edible seed pods of the plant and the unique component of the Djoumble. In fact, Djoumble is the Ivorian name given to dried Okra powder, a staple of West African dishes. Its gooey and slimy texture when cooked makes it an awesome thickener for sauces and soups.

To obtain its powdered form – the Djoumblé – the okra is first naturally dried over time (no accelerated process) and turns into a dehydrated and solid piece with shades of dark brown. This form of the okra is then pounded in a traditional mortar with a pestle) or crushed. The result is a granulated presentation (not really powdery) which favors a very good and long conservation. Its original sauce carrying the name of this ingredient (sauce Djoumblé) can be accompanied by foutou banana or yam, rice or placali.

Benefits: The vitamin C in okra helps support healthy immune function. Okra is also rich in vitamin K, which helps your body clot blood. Okra also provides some iron, niacin, phosphorus, and copper.
Some health benefits of okra include: fight cancer, control blood sugar, support heart and brain health, prenatal support (folate).

How to cook: It can be used as a thickener to many soups or stews.

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You can buy Djoumble locally in Murrietta at Delices de Carmel