South Sudan Okra Stew (Bamia Mafrooka)
Bamia Mafrooka is a flavorful and comforting okra stew, a staple in South Sudanese cuisine. It features tender okra cooked with meat (traditionally lamb or beef) in a rich broth seasoned with garlic, onions, and aromatic spices. The stew has a characteristic slightly slimy texture that is highly prized. It is typically served with a starch like Asida (a maize meal porridge) or Kisra (a fermented flatbread).
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Lamb or Beef(cut into 4-5 cm chunks)
- 1 kg Fresh Okra(ends trimmed, washed and cut into 2-3 cm pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(finely chopped)
- 1 tbsp Garlic(minced or made into a paste)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
- 750 ml Beef Stock(low sodium)
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Cumin Powder
- 1 tsp Coriander Powder
- 1 tsp Salt(or to taste)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper(freshly ground, or to taste)
- 2 cups Water(approx., for simmering)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the meat and brown on all sides. Remove meat and set aside.
💡 Tip: Ensure the pot is hot before adding meat to get a good sear. - 2
Add the chopped onions to the same pot and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and tomato paste, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 3
Return the browned meat to the pot. Add the beef stock, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
💡 Tip: Scrape the bottom of the pot to loosen any browned bits. - 4
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 1 hour, or until the meat is tender. Add water if the stew becomes too dry.
💡 Tip: Check the meat periodically and stir to prevent sticking. - 5
While the meat is simmering, prepare the okra. Wash and trim the ends of the okra, then cut into 2-3 cm pieces. Some recipes suggest cooking the okra separately to reduce sliminess, but for Bamia Mafrooka, it's often cooked directly in the stew.
- 6
Add the prepared okra to the pot with the simmering meat. Stir gently to incorporate. Cover and continue to cook for another 20-30 minutes, or until the okra is tender but not mushy.
💡 Tip: Avoid over-stirring the okra once added, as this can increase sliminess. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The stew should have a rich, savory flavor with a hint of spice.
💡 Tip: The stew's consistency should be thick but pourable. - 8
Serve hot, traditionally with Asida (maize meal porridge) or Kisra (fermented flatbread).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a less slimy okra, you can lightly sauté it before adding to the stew, or try blanching it briefly.
- ✓Using bone-in meat will add more depth of flavor to the stew.
- ✓Adjust the amount of spices to your personal preference.
🔄 Variations
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and use vegetable stock. Consider adding firm tofu or more vegetables like sweet potatoes.
- Some variations include adding a tablespoon of dried dill for an extra layer of flavor.