Bamias

Bamia is a recipe that may be Iraqi, Egyptian or Saudi Arabian, though my Turkish grandmother prepared it regularly.  Living in Israel meant exposure to the many cultures that make up the Mediterranean region (though geographically Iraq is not on the Mediterranean Sea).  Bamia is an okra stew which includes tomatoes, lamb, sometimes corn, sometimes chickpeas.  It may be prepared as a vegetarian medley as well. 

Ingredients

1-1/2 lbs fresh okra, washed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces or left whole

Olive oil

Sliced onions

Minced garlic

Fresh tomatoes, chopped

Lemon  juice

Fresh chopped parsley

Fresh or dried coriander

1/2 tsp powdered cardamom

Salt & pepper to taste

 

Preparation

Heat the olive oil in a pot, add the sliced onions and cook until translucent.  Add the minced garlic and chopped tomatoes.  Add the okra and cook about 10 minutes.  May be served alone or over rice.