Description
Bamya wa Roz is a traditional Middle Eastern dish featuring tender okra stewed in a flavorful tomato and coriander sauce, served alongside fluffy white rice. This comforting and aromatic meal combines the slight tanginess of lemon juice with savory notes from garlic and onions, making it a perfect vegetarian main course for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Base
- 500 grams okra, trimmed
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) crushed tomatoes
Grains
- 1 ½ cups white rice, rinsed
Liquids and Oils
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking equipment: Heat a large pot over medium heat for the okra stew. In a separate saucepan, get ready to cook the rice.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add olive oil to the large pot and sauté the diced onions until they become soft and translucent. Then, stir in the minced garlic and ground coriander to release their fragrant flavors.
- Add tomato ingredients: Mix in the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the pot. Let this tomato mixture simmer gently for 5 to 10 minutes to develop a rich sauce.
- Cook the rice: Rinse the white rice thoroughly. Lightly toast it in a bit of olive oil in the prepared saucepan, then add water and cook until the rice becomes fluffy and tender.
- Simmer the okra: Add the trimmed okra to the tomato base in the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cover the pot, and let it simmer until the okra is tender and the sauce thickens suitably.
- Finish with lemon juice: Once the okra is cooked, stir in the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning if needed to balance the flavors.
- Serve: Plate the okra stew either over or beside the freshly cooked rice. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
- To avoid sliminess, trim the okra carefully and avoid over-stirring while cooking.
- You can substitute vegetable broth with water for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for a spicy kick if desired.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the citrus flavor.
