Mia Bamia Arabic Lamb And Okra Stew Recipes

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.

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.

OKRA STEW (ARABIC RECIPE)

Steps:

• Wash okra and trim off stems, and dry.
• Sprinkle okra with oil and place under broiler until lightly browned or fry in vegetable oil until lightly browned (do not use same oil for browning meat).
• Sauté chopped onions, diced garlic, lamb meat, salt, and spices in olive oil(stirring occasionally) until meat is lightly browned.
• Add water and stir, bring to boil and then cover and cook on low heat until meat is tender.
• Add browned okra, chopped tomatoes or (28 oz can diced tomatoes) and ½ cup fresh cilantro or 1 teaspoon coriander (optional).
• Mix well, cover and simmer until okra is tender.
• This meal is excellent when served hot with rice. See my recipe for rice.