Bamya: Tomato and Mayhaw Pickled Okra

Bamya is a delicious and aromatic dish featuring tender okra simmered in a rich tomato sauce, commonly found in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean kitchens. Its vibrant combination of fresh ingredients, including onions, garlic, and warm spices, creates a flavorful stew that pairs beautifully with rice or bread. The natural textures of the okra absorb the tangy tomato base, making each bite flavorful and comforting.

This dish is an excellent showcase of the versatility of okra, offering a satisfying balance between hearty vegetables and savory, slow-cooked flavors. Bamya is perfect for family dinners, offering a taste of traditional comfort food with vibrant, earthy notes that appeal to a wide range of palates.

Yield: Serves 4

Active Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 5 cloves garlic, crushed and minced
• 200ml vegetable stock
• 400g fresh okra, sliced into rounds
• Mayhaw pickled okra for garnish
• Parsley, finely chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp IL MIG+ hot sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Dice the tomatoes and onion, set aside. Crush and mince the garlic. Slice the okra into rounds, set aside.
2. Cook the Onion and Garlic: In a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, cook the onion and garlic until lightly softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Okra and Tomatoes: Add the sliced okra and diced tomatoes to the skillet. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook for about 10 minutes.
4. Simmer with Stock and IL MIG+: Add the vegetable stock and IL MIG+ hot sauce. Simmer until the sauce reduces and thickens, about 20 minutes.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and mayhaw pickled okra. Serve immediately.