Bamya

Ingredients

• •1 1/2 pounds stew beef or lamb, cubed
• •2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• •1 large onion, chopped
• •4 cloves garlic, minced
• •1 pound okra, trimmed
• •2 cups crushed tomatoes
• •2 tablespoons tomato paste
• •3 cups water or stock
• •1 teaspoon kosher salt
• •1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• •1 teaspoon ground cumin
• •2 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the oil in a heavy pot and brown the meat on all sides.

2. 2

   Add the onion and cook until softened, then stir in the garlic and cumin.

3. 3

   Mix in the tomato paste and crushed tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes to deepen the flavor.

4. 4

   Pour in the water or stock, season with salt and pepper, and bring to a simmer.

5. 5

   Cover and cook the meat for about 45 minutes, until it begins to soften.

6. 6

   Add the trimmed okra and continue simmering gently without stirring too vigorously.

7. 7

   Cook until the meat is tender and the sauce thickens, about 25 to 30 minutes more.

8. 8

   Finish with lemon juice to brighten the stew and help counter the okra's natural slipperiness.

9. 9

   Serve hot, usually with rice.