Bamia
Egyptian Okra and Lamb Stew
A comforting and classic Egyptian home-style stew featuring tender lamb and tender okra simmered in a rich tomato sauce, infused with the aromatic flavors of garlic and coriander. This dish is a staple in Egyptian cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Okra(Fresh or frozen. If fresh, trim the tops and bottoms, and cut into 2-3 cm (1-inch) pieces. If frozen, use directly.)
- 500 g Lamb(Boneless lamb shoulder or leg, cut into 2.5 cm (1-inch) cubes. You can also use beef.)
- 400 g Canned crushed tomatoes(Or 4-5 fresh ripe tomatoes, blended.)
- 1 large Yellow onion(Finely chopped.)
- 6-8 cloves Garlic(Minced. Divide into two portions: half for the stew base, half for the taklia.)
- 2 tbsp Ground coriander(Divide into two portions: half for the stew base, half for the taklia.)
- 2 tbsp Lemon juice(Freshly squeezed.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil or Ghee(For sautéing.)
- 2 cups Water or Lamb broth(Adjust as needed for desired consistency.)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the aromatics and lamb: Heat 1 tbsp of oil or ghee in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Season the lamb cubes generously with salt and pepper. Sear the lamb in batches until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes per batch. Remove the lamb and set aside. Add the chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add half of the minced garlic and half of the ground coriander, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Build the stew base: Return the seared lamb to the pot. Pour in the crushed tomatoes and 1 cup of water or broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 45-60 minutes, or until the lamb is almost tender. Stir occasionally and add more water or broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
⏱️ 45-60 minutes - 3
Add the okra: Stir in the prepared okra (fresh or frozen) and the lemon juice. If using fresh okra, ensure it's cut into bite-sized pieces. If the stew seems too thick, add the remaining 1 cup of water or broth. Cover and continue to simmer for another 15-20 minutes, or until the okra is tender but not mushy. The stew should have a rich, slightly thickened sauce.
⏱️ 15-20 minutes - 4
Prepare the Taklia (garlic-coriander topping): While the okra is cooking, heat the remaining 1 tbsp of oil or ghee in a small skillet over medium heat (around 180°C / 350°F). Add the remaining minced garlic and cook until lightly golden and fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Stir in the remaining ground coriander and cook for another 30 seconds. This mixture, called 'taklia', is a crucial flavor enhancer.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Finish and serve: Stir the prepared taklia into the bamia stew. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Let the stew simmer for a final 2-3 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve hot, traditionally over fluffy white rice or with crusty bread.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To minimize sliminess when using fresh okra, avoid cutting it too small and try not to stir it excessively during the initial cooking stages. Adding lemon juice also helps.
- ✓The 'taklia' (garlic-coriander topping) is a signature element of many Egyptian dishes and adds a burst of fresh, pungent flavor at the end.
- ✓This stew is excellent served over plain white rice, vermicelli rice, or with Egyptian flatbread (aish baladi) for dipping.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb broth instead of water in step 2.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Chicken Bamia: Substitute lamb with bone-in chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well) and adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Bamia: Omit the lamb and add a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas along with the okra in step 3. You can also add other vegetables like diced potatoes or carrots.
- Spicy Bamia: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the taklia for a touch of heat.