Okra Bamia Recipe – A Middle Eastern Delight
Description
Okra Bamia, a traditional and flavorful stew from the Middle East, is made by cooking okra with fresh tomatoes and spices. This dish is not only simple to prepare but is a perfect combination of hearty flavors that go wonderfully with roti or bread. For an added twist, you can include meat in the stew. This vegetarian recipe is a wholesome and comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Course: Lunch
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bhindi (Okra) | 13 ladyfingers |
| Tomatoes | 4 tomatoes, boiled, peeled, and then grinded |
| Onion | 1, chopped |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, grated |
| Coriander Powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Chili Powder | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Salt | To taste |
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Instructions
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Sauté the Aromatics: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onions and grated garlic. Sauté until the onions soften and turn translucent.
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Cook the Spices and Okra: Add 1 teaspoon of coriander powder and 1/2 teaspoon of red chili powder to the pan. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices. Then, add the 13 ladyfingers (okra) to the pan. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
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Simmer with Water: After cooking the okra for a minute, pour in 1 cup of water and add salt to taste. Stir to combine, then let the mixture come to a boil. Allow it to cook for 3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
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Add Tomato Paste: Now, add the grinded tomato paste to the pan. Mix thoroughly to incorporate the tomatoes into the okra and spice mixture. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let it cook on a gentle flame for 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender and cooked through.
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Finish with Lemon Juice: Once the okra is cooked and the stew has thickened, stir in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a fresh and zesty flavor. Mix well.
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Serve: Serve the hot Okra Bamia with freshly made Tawa Paratha or warm bread. For a delightful and complete meal, pair it with a side of Corn Onion Raita.
This comforting and flavorful Okra Bamia is a perfect addition to your lunch menu. Whether served with paratha or bread, this Middle Eastern stew is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the simplicity and depth of flavor in every bite!
