Ingredients
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6 tablespoons unsalted butter or 6 tablespoons olive oil
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2 lbs stewing lamb or 2 lbs beef, cut into 1 in cube
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2 garlic cloves, finely minced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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3 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 cup beef stock or 1 cup water, as needed
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2 tablespoons chopped of fresh mint
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salt
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1 -1 1/2 lb okra
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1 lemon, juice of
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2 onions, finely chopped
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fresh ground pepper
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1 cup peeled seeded and chopped tomato
Instructions
- 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.