Bamia bil Lahm (Okra Stew with Meat)
A comforting and flavorful Iraqi stew featuring tender chunks of meat and okra simmered in a rich tomato-based sauce, often served with rice.
🧂 Ingredients
- 750 g Lamb or Beef(cut into 1.5-inch cubes)
- 500 g Fresh Okra(trimmed and halved lengthwise if large)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Coriander(ground)
- 1 tsp Cumin(ground)
- 0.5 tsp Allspice(ground)
- 3 tbsp Vegetable Oil or Ghee
- 3 cups Water or Broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice(optional, for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the meat on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
- 2
Add chopped onions to the pot and sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly.
- 4
Return the meat to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, ground coriander, cumin, allspice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- 5
Pour in water or broth, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is tender.
- 6
Add the prepared okra to the stew. Stir gently. Cover and continue to simmer for another 20-30 minutes, or until the okra is tender but not mushy.
- 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, optionally with a drizzle of lemon juice.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To prevent okra from becoming too slimy, you can lightly sauté it before adding it to the stew, or add a tablespoon of lemon juice to the stew towards the end of cooking.
- ✓Ensure the meat is tender before adding the okra, as okra cooks relatively quickly.
- ✓This stew tastes even better the next day, allowing the flavors to meld.
🔄 Variations
- Add diced potatoes or carrots along with the okra for a heartier stew.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper.