Libyan Lamb and Okra Stew
Bamia
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb, okra, and a rich tomato-based sauce, seasoned with traditional Libyan spices. Often served with couscous or crusty bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb shoulder(cut into 2-inch cubes)
- 500 g Okra(fresh or frozen, trimmed)
- 2 large Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 800 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil or olive oil
- 1 tbsp Coriander powder
- 1 tsp Cumin powder
- 1 tsp Turmeric powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 small Cinnamon stick
- 1 Bay leaf
- 4 cups Water or lamb broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro or parsley(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the lamb cubes on all sides. Remove lamb 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 tomato paste, coriander, cumin, turmeric, and paprika. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
- 4
Return the lamb to the pot. Add crushed tomatoes, cinnamon stick, bay leaf, salt, and pepper. Pour in water or broth, ensuring the lamb is mostly submerged.
- 5
Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the lamb is tender.
- 6
If using fresh okra, you can lightly sauté it in a separate pan with a little oil until slightly tender to reduce sliminess. If using frozen, add it directly to the stew.
- 7
Add the okra to the stew during the last 20-30 minutes of cooking. Stir gently and continue to simmer, covered, until the okra is cooked through and tender.
- 8
Remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- 9
Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve hot with couscous, rice, or crusty bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce the sliminess of okra, you can salt it and let it sit for 30 minutes, then rinse and pat dry before adding to the stew, or lightly sauté it first.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb broth instead of water.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your preference. Some variations include a pinch of chili flakes for a bit of heat.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Add a few diced potatoes or carrots along with the lamb for a more substantial stew.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the lamb with firm tofu or extra vegetables like zucchini and eggplant.