Authentic Middle Eastern Bamia Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 kg fresh okra (bamia)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 500g beef or lamb, cut into cubes
  • 1 can (400g) of diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 cups beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon coriander powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh coriander
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill

Steps and instructions

  1. Wash the okra and trim off the ends. Leave them whole if they are small, or cut into 2-3cm pieces if they are larger.
  2. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become soft and fragrant.
  3. Add the cubed meat to the pot and brown on all sides.
  4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef or vegetable broth, salt, black pepper, coriander powder, and turmeric.
  5. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the meat is nearly cooked.
  6. Add the okra to the pot and continue to simmer for another 20 minutes, or until the okra is tender.
  7. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh coriander, and dill. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
  8. Simmer for a few more minutes, then remove from heat. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
  9. Enjoy your Bamia with a side of rice or bread.

Tools for making

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the Bamia and its ingredients.
  • Knife - To trim the ends of the okra and chop the onion.
  • Cutting board - To provide a surface for cutting the vegetables and meat.
  • Wooden spoon - Useful for stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot.
  • Measuring spoons - To accurately measure the required amounts of salt, pepper, and other spices.
  • Can opener - Required to open the can of diced tomatoes.
  • Lemon squeezer - To extract fresh lemon juice for added flavor.
  • Chopping board - To chop the fresh coriander and dill.
  • Serving dish - To present and serve the finished Bamia.

Recipe variations

  • Vegetarian/Vegan Variation: Replace the beef or lamb with plant-based protein such as tofu, tempeh, or seitan. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Chicken Bamia: Substitute the beef or lamb with boneless chicken pieces.
  • Spicy Bamia: Add chopped chili peppers or red pepper flakes to give the dish a spicy kick.
  • Herb-infused Bamia: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, oregano, or basil to add different flavors to the dish.
  • Seafood Bamia: Instead of using meat, you can use shrimp or fish fillets as the protein source.
  • Okra-Free Variation: If you're not a fan of okra, you can replace it with green beans or zucchini.
  • Smoky Bamia: Add a smoky flavor by incorporating smoked paprika or liquid smoke into the dish.
  • Creamy Bamia: Stir in a dollop of sour cream, yogurt, or coconut milk to create a creamy texture.
  • Extra Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value by adding additional vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or eggplant.

Recipe overview

Bamia is a hearty and flavorful stew originating from the Middle East. The dish gets its name from its key ingredient, okra, which is known as 'bamia' in Arabic. This traditional recipe also features tender chunks of beef or lamb, simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce with a wonderful blend of spices. The addition of fresh coriander, dill, and a hint of lemon gives the dish a unique and appetizing taste. In this recipe, we'll guide you step by step to prepare this delicious and satisfying meal. The process involves browning the meat, preparing the sauce, and simmering the okra to perfection. Even though the dish takes time to prepare, the result is a full-bodied and richly flavored stew that's worth every minute. It's perfect served with a side of rice or bread to soak up the delicious sauce. Whether you're a lover of Middle Eastern cuisine or you're trying it for the first time, this Bamia recipe is sure to impress. Comforting, nutritious, and packed with flavor, it's a dish that will warm you up from the inside out.

Common questions

  1. Can I use frozen okra instead of fresh okra?
  2. Yes, you can use frozen okra if fresh okra is not available. However, make sure to thaw the frozen okra before adding it to the recipe.
  3. Can I substitute the beef or lamb with chicken?
  4. Yes, you can substitute the beef or lamb with chicken if you prefer. Adjust the cooking time accordingly as chicken may cook faster than beef or lamb.
  5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
  6. Yes, you can make a vegetarian or vegan version of this recipe by omitting the meat and using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The flavors will still be delicious.
  7. Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
  8. Absolutely! You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or potatoes to enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.
  9. Can I make this dish spicy?
  10. If you prefer a spicy version, you can add some chili flakes or fresh chili peppers to the recipe while sautéing the onions and garlic. Adjust the amount according to your taste.

Serving dishes and utensils

Origin stories

Bamia, a heartwarming stew of okra and meat, is a beloved dish across the Middle East, North Africa and the Mediterranean region. Its name derives from the Arabic word for okra, and it's an enduring symbol of home cooking from Egypt all the way to Greece. This dish's charm lies not only in its comforting taste, but also in its simplicity and adaptability. Its ingredients can be varied according to what's at hand, and it can be enjoyed with a piece of bread, a side of rice, or even on its own. Interestingly, while okra is often associated with Southern American cuisine, it is originally from Africa, and was brought to the Americas during the days of the Atlantic Slave Trade. Therefore, when you're simmering a pot of Bamia, you're not only preparing a tasty meal, but you're also stirring a potful of history and culture.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.