Sudanese Okra and Peanut Sauce (Mullah Bamia)
A rich and savory stew featuring tender okra pods simmered in a flavorful tomato-based sauce enriched with creamy peanut butter, a staple in Sudanese cuisine.
🧂 Ingredients
- 500 g Fresh okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces)
- 1 large Onion(finely chopped)
- 3 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 400 g Tomatoes(crushed or pureed)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 4 tablespoons Peanut butter(smooth or crunchy)
- 2 tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 500 ml Water or vegetable broth
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 0.5 tsp Coriander
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- Optional: pinch of chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon Fresh lemon juice(for serving)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
If using fresh okra, trim the tops and bottoms and cut into 1-inch pieces. If okra is slimy, you can lightly sauté it in a dry pan for a few minutes to reduce sliminess, then set aside.
💡 Tip: Sautéing okra can help minimize its natural sliminess. - 2
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3
Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- 4
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and optional chili flakes. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- 5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and water or broth until smooth. Pour this mixture into the pot with the tomato base.
💡 Tip: Ensure the peanut butter is well incorporated to avoid lumps. - 6
Add the prepared okra to the pot. Stir everything together to combine.
💡 Tip: Make sure the okra is submerged in the sauce. - 7
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 30-40 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 8
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Stir in fresh lemon juice just before serving.
💡 Tip: Lemon juice brightens the flavors of the stew. - 9
Serve hot, typically with rice or Sudanese flatbread (Kisra).
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Using fresh, young okra pods will result in a less slimy texture.
- ✓For a richer flavor, you can add a small piece of lamb or beef to the stew while it simmers.
- ✓If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a fresh chopped chili pepper.
🔄 Variations
- Add cooked shredded chicken or lamb to the stew for a heartier meal.
- Incorporate other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- For a vegan version, ensure you use vegetable broth and omit any meat additions.