Okra Stew with Lamb (Bamia) – Middle Eastern Dish

This Okra Stew with Lamb (Bamia) is a cozy, flavorful Middle Eastern dish—perfect for chilly days or when you’re craving something hearty and comforting. If you’ve never cooked with okra before, this is a great way to ease in. Though okra can be known for its slimy texture, in this stew, it’s tender, mild, and beautifully balanced with tomatoes, garlic, and warm spices.

This recipe is inspired by a traditional version I grew up with—lamb slow-simmered with okra, tomatoes, and bold aromatics. My husband especially loves this version, and it’s always a hit in our home.

I also love making a second okra dish: a garlicky sautéed version with chili, cumin, and coriander—equally delicious and full of flavor. Whether you’re new to okra or already a fan, this okra and lamb stew is the perfect place to start

Okra Stew Ingredients

• Lamb Shoulder (cut into small pieces): Tender and flavorful lamb, perfect for a hearty stew.
• Okra (trimmed, washed, pat dry): Fresh and crisp, adding a unique texture to the stew.
• Fresh Tomato Sauce or Two Cans of Tomato Sauce: Rich and tomatoey, forming the stew’s base.
• Tomato Base (dissolved with 1 1/2 cups warm water): Adds liquid and intensifies the tomato flavor.
• Garlic (minced and sliced ): Pungent and savory, enhancing the stew’s aroma and taste.
• Jalapeno (diced, optional): Adds a hint of heat for those who enjoy spicy flavors.
• Sweet Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth to the stew.
• Spice Blend (Turmeric, Cumin, Allspice, Salt, Black Pepper): Creates a warm, savory, and well-balanced flavor profile.
• Olive Oil (1/4 cup plus 4 tablespoons more): Infuses richness into the stew.
• Fresh Cilantro (chopped fine): Adds freshness to the finished dish.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Citrusy brightness that elevates the overall flavor.
• Flour: Coating the okra before frying creates a crispier coat.

This Okra Stew combines the richness of lamb, the unique texture of okra, and a flavorful blend of spices for a comforting and satisfying dish. Adding fresh cilantro and lemon juice at the end enhances the stew’s freshness and depth of flavor.

What Is Bamia?

Bamia is a traditional Middle Eastern okra stew made with onions, garlic, tomato sauce, okra, and often lamb. The word bamia simply means “okra” in Arabic. This comforting dish is beloved across the Middle East, Armenia, Afghanistan, and Turkey, with slight variations in each region.

While lamb or beef is most commonly used, vegetarian versions are also popular. In Egypt, for example, bamia is often made with lamb tendons, which hold up beautifully to long, slow cooking.

How to Make Okra Less Slimy

Okra has a natural mucilaginous (slimy) texture, especially when sliced. To reduce this, cook okra whole, as is often done in bamia, which helps retain a firmer texture and reduces sliminess. Also, slow cooking breaks down the okra gently, making it tender rather than gooey, resulting in a more balanced and palatable stew.

How to Serve Bamia

Savoring the rich blend of tender lamb and crispy okra in this Middle Eastern Bamia Delight. A true comfort in every spoonful.

This okra stew with lamb is traditionally served with fluffy white rice, which soaks up the rich tomato-based sauce beautifully. Another delicious option is to serve it over rice with vermicelli, adding a toasty layer of flavor and a heartier base.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

• Storing:
  Let the okra stew with lamb cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing:
  Bamia freezes well! Place cooled stew in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating:
• Stovetop: Place the stew in a pot over medium heat. Add a splash of water or broth if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.

This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen!