Bamya Alicha Ethiopian Style Okra Food

BAMYA

Steps:

• Mix the lamb with 1 teaspoon seven spice blend in a large bowl, tossing to coat, and set it aside. Heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Add the lamb to the pot and sear until brown on all sides, stirring occasionally, about 7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
• Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the same pot over medium heat. Saute the onion until tender and golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cilantro and stir to combine. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the okra. Stir in 1 teaspoon kosher salt, the remaining 1 teaspoon of seven spice and add the browned lamb. Add in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste and 3 cups of water.
• Cover and cook the stew over medium heat until the lamb is fully cooked, 30 to 40 minutes. Add the lemon juice to the stew right before serving. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt.

BAMYA ALICH'A (ETHIOPIAN-STYLE OKRA)

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, heat oil.
• Cook onions until light brown.
• Add tomatoes and bring to a boil.
• Lower heat, and stir in garlic, ginger, and cardamon. Add the okra and cook, uncovered, for 20 minutes.
• Add chiles and cook five more minutes.

ALICHA (ETHIOPIAN STEW)

Steps:

• Cook onions and garlic in oil until transparent.
• Wash and chop vegetables and add them to the onions, lightly browning.
• Add nutmeg, garlic and cardamom then cook slowly for 30 mins.
• Season to taste then add chilli, parsley and basil just before serving.

BAMYA ( LAMB OR BEEF AND OKRA STEW)

Steps:

• Okra must be cooked so that its slimy texture is eliminated.
• The Greeks have the best technique for achieving this.
• Trim the conical tops with a sharp knife, then soak the okra in red wine-viegar (Khall) for 30 minutes, allowing 1/2 cup vinegar per pound.
• Drain, rinse and dry the okra and proceed with the recipe.
• This dish is popular throughout the Middle East and can be prepared with lamb or beef.
• Serve with rice.
• Preheat an oven to 325 F (165 C).
• In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 4 tablespoons of the butter or oil.
• Working in batches, add the meat and fry, turning, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Using a slotted spoon transfer to a baking dish or stew pot.
• Add the onions to the fat remaining in the frying pan and saute over medium heat until tender and translucent, 8-10 minutes.
• Add the garlic, cumin, coriander, tomatoes, tomato paste, the 1 cup stock and mint (if using).
• Stir well.
• Pour over the meat and season to taste with salt and pepper.
• Cover and bake until all the liquid is absorbed, about 1 1/2 hours.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings.
• Meanwhile, prepare the okra as directed in the note above.
• In a saute pan over medium heat, warm the remaining 2 tablespoons butter or oil Add the okra and saute for 3 mins, stirring gently.
• Remove the stew from the oven and arrange the okra on top in a spoke pattern.
• Sprinkle the lemon juice evenly over the surface.
• Re-cover the dish and return it to the oven.
• Bake for 35 minutes longer.
• Add stock or water if the mixture seems too dry.
• Serve the"BAMIA" stew piping hot.

BAMYA BIL LAHME (OKRA WITH MEAT STEW)

Steps:

• Heat 4 tablespoons butter or oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Working in small batches, brown meat, turning constantly, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
• Add onions to meat and saute until translucent, 8-10 minutes.
• Add garlic, cumin, coriander, tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Stir well.
• Add salt and pepper to taste.
• Cover tightly and cook for about 45 minutes- 1 hour or until meat is tender. Add more water if it becomes dry.
• Prepare okra by rinsing in cool water. Cut the stem end off each and poke holes in them to absorb the liquid.
• Once meat is tender add okra and 1-2 cups water.
• Pour lemon juice over mixture (this reduces the slimy texture of the okra).
• Cook an additional 30-45 minutes on low heat until it has a thick stew consistency and okra is soft.
• Serve warm with rice.