Bamya Middle Eastern Okra Stew With Lamb Recipes

OKRA STEW | MIDDLE EASTERN BAMIA RECIPE

Steps:

• Start by dicing the onion finely and add it to a stock pot along with the vegetable oil and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook it for 2-3 minutes until translucent
• Wash the veal pieces and season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• To the pot, add the washed veal pieces and brown them from all sides for about 5 minutes
• Next add the tomato paste and and continue to cook for another few minutes
• Add the frozen okra to the pot along with the garlic which should be roughly chopped, the pomegranate molasses and 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Add about 10 cups of water in the pot, mix everything well, and bring to a rolling boil on medium heat for roughly 30 minutes
• After 30 minutes, check the tenderness of both the okra and the meat. If they are both still slightly firm, add more water (roughly 4-5 cups) and allow it to continue boiling for another 20 minutes
• Check the softness of the meat and okra, as well as the seasoning and adjust accordingly. If okra and meat are both tender, turn heat off and serve

BAMYA ( LAMB OR BEEF AND OKRA STEW)

Steps:

• Okra must be cooked so that its slimy texture is eliminated.
• The Greeks have the best technique for achieving this.
• Trim the conical tops with a sharp knife, then soak the okra in red wine-viegar (Khall) for 30 minutes, allowing 1/2 cup vinegar per pound.
• Drain, rinse and dry the okra and proceed with the recipe.
• This dish is popular throughout the Middle East and can be prepared with lamb or beef.
• Serve with rice.
• Preheat an oven to 325 F (165 C).
• In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 4 tablespoons of the butter or oil.
• Working in batches, add the meat and fry, turning, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon transfer to a baking dish or stew pot.
• Add the onions to the fat remaining in the frying pan and saute over medium heat until tender and translucent, 8-10 minutes.
• Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, tomatoes, tomato paste, the 1 cup stock and mint (if using).
• Stir well.
• Pour over the meat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cover and bake until all the liquid is absorbed, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings.
• Meanwhile, prepare the okra as directed in the note above.
• In a saute pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons butter or oil Add the okra and saute for 3 mins, stirring gently.
• Remove the stew from the oven and arrange the okra on top in a spoke pattern.
• Sprinkle the lemon juice evenly over the surface.
• Re-cover the dish and return it to the oven.
• Bake for 35 minutes longer.
• Add stock or water if the mixture seems too dry.
• Serve the"BAMIA" stew piping hot.

BAMIEH (MIDDLE EASTERN OKRA STEW)

Steps:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Stir in the onion, salt and black pepper; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned a light golden brown, about 10 minutes.
• Add the lamb, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and garlic paste. Cook on medium heat until the lamb starts to brown, 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the tomatoes and tomato paste; cook and stir for another 5 minutes.
• Dissolve the beef bouillon cubes in 4 cups of boiling water. Pour the broth into the pot with the lamb and stir in the okra. If necessary, add water to cover the okra. Cover and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove the cover and cook for another 45 minutes to 1 hour until the lamb is very tender and the stew reaches your desired thickness.

BAMYA

Steps:

• Mix the lamb with 1 teaspoon seven spice blend in a large bowl, tossing to coat, and set it aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add the lamb to the pot and sear until brown on all sides, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Saute the onion until tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cilantro and stir to combine. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the okra. Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, the remaining 1 teaspoon of seven spice and add the browned lamb. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and 3 cups of water.
• Cover and cook the stew over medium heat until the lamb is fully cooked, 30 to 40 minutes. Add the lemon juice to the stew right before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt.

BAMYA (MIDDLE EASTERN OKRA STEW WITH LAMB)

Steps:

• Slice meat into 3" pieces and wash in a strainer, until the water runs clear. Place meat in a 5-quart Dutch oven and add 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
• If using fresh okra, wash and trim the end by cutting around the "cap" to form a cone shape. If using pickled okra, rinse well before using.
• Remove meat from the pot and pour out any remaining liquid. Rinse the pot and place the meat back inside. Add vegetable or olive oil, onion, and paprika to the meat. Sauté, over medium-high heat, to brown the meat.
• Mix tomato paste into 4 cups hot water, stir to dissolve. Add to the pot, along with garlic, okra, chopped tomato, salt, and lemon juice. Simmer, covered, for 40 minutes. Serve Bamya over white rice.

MIDDLE EASTERN LAMB AND OKRA STEW (BAMIA STEW)

Steps:

• Trim the baby okras and wash in cold water and then place in a colander to drain.
• In a large saucepan, heat the oil or butter and add in the meat and brown on all side.
• Add the crushed garlic and chopped onions to the meat and saute till brown.
• Add in the chopped tomatoes, stirring in till the tomatoes are all broken down and soft, for about 10-15 minutes.
• Add in all the spices and salt and give it a good mix.
• Add enough water to cover the meat (about 7-8 cups) and stir to combine well.
• Add in the trimmed okras and bring to boil.
• Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is tender (the sauce will thicken as it cooks).
• Lastly, pour in the lemon juice and add in the chopped coriander and carefully stir once or twice (careful not to mash the okras) and gently simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve with rice.