Bosnian Beef and Okra Stew
Okra i Govedina
A comforting and flavorful stew featuring tender chunks of beef slow-cooked with okra, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. This dish, known as 'Okra i Govedina,' is a staple in Bosnian cuisine, offering a rich, savory taste with a slightly tangy finish from the tomatoes and okra.
๐ง Ingredients
- 1 kg Beef chuck, cubed
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 2 Large onions, chopped
- 4 Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Ground black pepper
- to taste Salt
- 1 liter Beef broth
- 400 g can Canned diced tomatoes, undrained
- 500 g Fresh okra, trimmed and sliced
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
๐จโ๐ณ Instructions
- 1
Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Remove the browned beef and set aside.
๐ก Tip: Browning the beef in batches ensures a good sear and prevents it from steaming. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the pot and sautรฉ until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
๐ก Tip: Sweating the onions releases their natural sweetness and forms a flavor base. - 3
Stir in the paprika, black pepper, and salt. Return the browned beef to the pot. Pour in the beef broth and add the diced tomatoes.
๐ก Tip: Ensure the liquid covers most of the meat; add a little water if necessary. - 4
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the beef is tender.
๐ก Tip: Low and slow cooking is essential for tenderizing the beef. - 5
Add the sliced okra to the stew. Stir gently, cover, and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
๐ก Tip: Avoid stirring the okra too much initially to prevent it from becoming mushy. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
๐ก Tip: This stew is delicious served with crusty bread or a side of rice.
๐ก Pro Tips
- โTo reduce the sliminess of okra, you can lightly sautรฉ it separately before adding it to the stew, or add a tablespoon of lemon juice when cooking.
- โFor a deeper flavor, you can add a bay leaf to the stew while it simmers.
- โIf you prefer a thicker stew, you can mash some of the cooked okra against the side of the pot.
โจ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add other vegetables like diced carrots or potatoes along with the onions.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- A splash of red wine vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice at the end can brighten the flavors.