Savory Egyptian Bamya Stew: Lamb or Beef with Okra

Bamya (Lamb or Beef and Okra Stew) Recipe

🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
🕒 Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
🥘 Yield: 4 servings

Description:

Indulge in the savory delight of Bamya, a traditional Egyptian stew featuring tender lamb or beef combined with okra, simmered to perfection in a fragrant blend of spices. This hearty dish, popular across the Middle East, promises to tantalize your taste buds with its rich flavors and comforting aroma. Serve it alongside fluffy rice for a satisfying meal that’s sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 lbs stewing lamb or beef, cubed
• 2 onions, finely chopped
• 1-2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 chopped tomato
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 cup beef or lamb stock
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground pepper, to taste
• 1 to 1 1/2 lbs okra
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Okra:

   • To eliminate the slimy texture of okra, trim the conical tops with a sharp knife.
   • Soak the okra in red wine vinegar (Khall) for 30 minutes, using 1/2 cup vinegar per pound.
   • Drain, rinse, and dry the okra thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe.

2. Brown the Meat:

   • Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C).
   • In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 4 tablespoons of butter or olive oil.
   • Working in batches, add the meat cubes and fry, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides (about 10 minutes).
   • Transfer the browned meat to a baking dish or stew pot using a slotted spoon.

3. Saute the Onions:

   • In the same frying pan with the remaining fat, add the chopped onions.
   • Saute over medium heat until tender and translucent, approximately 8-10 minutes.

4. Add Aromatic Ingredients:

   • Stir in the minced garlic, ground cumin, ground coriander, chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, 1 cup of stock, and fresh mint (if using).
   • Mix well to combine, then pour the mixture over the browned meat.
   • Season with salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

5. Bake the Stew:

   • Cover the baking dish or stew pot with a lid.
   • Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 1 1/2 hours, or until the liquid is absorbed, and the meat is tender.
   • Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed.

6. Prepare the Okra (Continued):

   • In a saute pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter or olive oil.
   • Add the soaked and dried okra to the pan and saute for about 3 minutes, stirring gently.

7. Final Assembly:

   • Remove the stew from the oven and arrange the sauteed okra on top in a spoke pattern.
   • Sprinkle the lemon juice evenly over the surface of the stew.
   • Re-cover the dish and return it to the oven for an additional 35 minutes.
   • If the mixture appears too dry, you can add additional stock or water to adjust the consistency.

8. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once fully cooked, serve the Bamya stew piping hot, accompanied by fluffy rice or your favorite side dish.

Nutrition Information:

• Calories: 544.2
• Fat: 29.9g
  • Saturated Fat: 15.4g
• Cholesterol: 193.2mg
• Sodium: 483mg
• Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 5.9g
  • Sugar: 6.7g
• Protein: 50.8g

Indulge in the rich flavors of this Bamya stew, a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in or a special dinner with loved ones. With its tender meat, flavorful spices, and succulent okra, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire. Enjoy the taste of Egypt right in your own kitchen!