Bamia (Okra and Tomato Stew)

Bamia, okra, is popularly used in Middle Eastern dishes. It is most often combined with tomato flavors for either a breakfast hash or stew served with rice. I decided to make a stew version filled with beautiful spices and a tomato-based stew. I served it with rice and some chicken for a full dinner meal! Okra is packed with flavor and that shines through immensely in this delicious recipe!

You can garnish the stew with cilantro to enhance the flavors! It's delicious with it!

Serve this tasty stew with baked chicken and white basmati rice for a great dinner!

Bamia, or okra, hasn't always been my favorite Middle Eastern dish. There was something about the texture that I just wasn't too fond of. Then I found that pan-frying the okra before adding it to the stew adds a beautiful light and crispy texture to the dish. The base of the stew is flavored with delicious spices and flavors that bring this all together.

You can eat this stew with pita bread, or as a fuller meal like I did. I prepared a cornish hen with potatoes in the oven, with a side of white rice. It was very filling and a great feeling to finally be able to enjoy this dish!

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Prep Time: 5 minutes Serves: 4 People

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 Bag Frozen Okra

• 1/2 Yellow Onion, chopped

• 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil

• 2 Cloves Garlic, sliced

• 14.5 oz. Canned Diced Tomatoes, with juice

• 1 Tbsp. Tomato Paste

• 1 1/2 cups Water

• 1/2 tsp. Onion Powder

• 1/2 tsp. Garlic Powder

• 1/2 tsp. Mixed Spice

• 1/2 tsp. Cumin

• 1 tsp. Salt

• 1/2 tsp. Black Pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large skillet, saute the okra for 6-7 minutes until they become crispy.

2. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a medium-sized pot.

3. Add in the onions and saute for about 5 minutes on medium-high until they become transparent.

4. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about two minutes.

5. Pour in the canned tomatoes, tomato paste, and the water. Stir and bring to a boil.

6. Add in the onion powder, garlic powder, mixed spice, cumin, salt, and pepper.

7. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook at a simmer for 30 minutes.

8. Serve with pita or rice and enjoy!