Bamia or okra is one of the most favorite and very popular dishes in Iraq. They usually do not add any spices in this dish the flavor of the lamb and the okra really comes out and it tastes delicious. But I like to add black pepper, nutmeg, garlic, and ginger, it gives it more flavor. For me I love this dish with the spices and without spices, I love okra in any dish.
You can eat this dish in two different ways, one way with basmati rice, you can take a spoon full of the okra with the meat and sauce and put it on the top of the rice and then pick up everything together with a spoon, also you can eat the okra with pita bread, by cutting the pita bread into small pieces and place it in a deep dish then put the okra sauce on top, then pick the pita bread with okra and meat with your hand and eat it. its enjoyable to eat with your hand sometimes.
Ingredient
1 1b lamb rips or beef cut into medium size
2 1b okra fresh or frozen. Cut the top and bottom of the okra
3 to 4 clove garlic
1 teaspoon crushed ginger
1 chopped tomatoes
1 9 oz can crush tomatoes sauce
1 9 oz can paste tomato sauce
6 cups of water or as needed
Salt as preferred
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 table black pepper
1 lemon juice
4 to 5 tablespoon olive oil
Instruction:
In a pot put the lamb ribs or the beef and fill the pot with water, on high heat and let it cook, remove all the foam that comes up from the meat. I like my meat well-cooked so I usually cook it for about 45 minutes to 1 hour. Water if need until it is well cooked, drain the meat in a colander and wash it with warm water.
In a pot add olive oil, lamb ribs or the beef, garlic, ginger, tomatoes, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg. Mix very well and let the meat brown. Lower the heat add the okra and cover the pot, let it cook for about 10 to 15 minutes until the okra turns to light color or until its cooked.
In a bowl add the tomatoes paste, crushed tomatoes sauce, lemon juice, and water, incorporate very well then add to the pot of okra let it boil on high heat, then lower the heat and cover it, let it simmer and then add the salt. It is done when the sauce thickens.
Okra with beef
Okra with lamb ribs
A full meal with basmati rice, okra sauce, and fish.