Yemeni Okra and Lamb Stew (Bamia bil Lahm)
A hearty and flavorful stew featuring tender lamb and tender okra simmered in a rich tomato-based broth, infused with aromatic Yemeni spices. This dish is a comforting staple, often served with rice or bread.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 lbs Lamb stew meat(cut into 1.5-inch cubes (shoulder or leg))
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 1 Large yellow onion(thinly sliced)
- 4 Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon Turmeric
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon Cayenne pepper(or to taste)
- 2 14.5 oz cans Diced tomatoes(undrained)
- 2 tablespoons Tomato paste
- 4 cups Water or lamb broth
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1 pound Fresh okra(trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces (or 1 lb frozen okra))
- 1/4 cup Fresh cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the lamb cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove the lamb and set aside.
💡 Tip: Browning the lamb in batches can help ensure a good sear. - 2
Add the sliced onion to the pot and sauté until softened and lightly golden, about 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Stir in the cumin, coriander, turmeric, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
⏱️ 30 seconds - 4
Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well to combine with the spices and onions.
💡 Tip: Scraping the bottom of the pot can help incorporate any browned bits. - 5
Return the browned lamb to the pot. Pour in the water or broth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 1 hour, or until the lamb is becoming tender.
⏱️ 1 hour - 6
Add the prepared okra to the stew. Stir gently to combine. Cover and continue to simmer for another 30 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the lamb is fully cooked.
⏱️ 30 minutes💡 Tip: Avoid over-stirring the okra to prevent it from becoming too mushy. - 7
Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro before serving.
💡 Tip: This stew is delicious served with basmati rice or Yemeni flatbread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓To reduce sliminess from the okra, you can lightly sauté or roast the okra separately before adding it to the stew.
- ✓For a richer flavor, use lamb broth instead of water.
- ✓This stew can be made ahead of time and reheats well.
🔄 Variations
- Add other vegetables like diced potatoes or carrots along with the lamb.
- For a spicier stew, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a fresh chili pepper.