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Bamia

Tender okra simmered with lamb or beef in a rich tomato sauce infused with garlic and spices.

60 minEasyServes 4280 cal/serving

EgyptianDinnerStovetopStandard

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs fresh okra, trimmed
  • 1 lb lamb or beef (cut into chunks)
  • 3 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 med onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz can)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/4 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. 1

    Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

  2. 2

    Add 1 med diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

  3. 3

    Add 1 lb lamb or beef (cut into chunks) and brown it on all sides, about 8 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.

  4. 4

    Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  5. 5

    Add 2 tbsp tomato paste and cook for 2 minutes, stirring often.

  6. 6

    Pour in 1 can tomato sauce (15 oz can) and 1/2 cup water. Stir in 1/2 tsp ground cumin and 1/4 tsp ground coriander.

  7. 7

    Bring to a simmer, then add 1.5 lbs trimmed fresh okra. Stir gently to combine.

  8. 8

    Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered for 35-40 minutes until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened.

  9. 9

    Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve warm with rice.

Questions

How long does Bamia keep?

Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and eat them within three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop. It also freezes well for up to three months.

Can I halve or double Bamia?

Yes. As written it serves 4. Every ingredient in this entry carries precomputed half and double quantities, and the app's batch dial rewrites them inside each step. When doubling on the stovetop, use your widest pan or work in two batches so the food sears instead of steaming.

Serve it with

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