Okra Stew or Bamia is a favorite in Jordan. Okra is used many ways, but the traditional way is in this very delicious stew made with onions and tomatoes. You can make this with meat or without.
Ingredients:
2 pounds of okra, ends cut off
1 tablespoon of tomato paste
1 cup coriander, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 lemon, juiced
1 tablespoon salt
1 pound of chicken breasts, cut into small pieces
2 pounds of tomatoes, chopped
1/4 cup oil
1/2 teaspoon of paprika and cinnamon
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 large onion, chopped
Directions:
Place the oil in a heavy bottom skillet and heat. Add in the onions and the chopped chicken breasts. Cook until the chicken pieces are brown and the onions are soft.
Add in the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, paprika, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Cook for a few minutes. Add in enough water to cover the chicken and vegetables.
Cook for 15 minutes and then add in the okra pieces. For large okra pieces, cut them down to equal the small ones.
Do not stir the okra stew, but continue to cook for 30 more minutes. Top with the coriander and lemon juice and cook for another 2 minutes and serve.
Serve this stew over rice with lots of yogurt on the side.