Okra Stew With Lamb – Bamje Recipe
Hi everyone! I’m super excited to share with you something delicious today. Have you ever heard of Okra Stew with Lamb? If not don’t worry. I will share everything you need to know about making this recipe.
Next, I will share some of the most frequent questions about this dish, so make sure to keep reading to learn everything you need to know.
And if you’re curious about other delicious recipes that pair well with our stew, check out this Albanian Cornbread Recipe or explore how to make Albanian Flija for a complete feast!
Now let’s jump to the questions.
What is Okra Stew?
Imagine a thick, yummy soup filled with green veggies and tender chunks of lamb.
That’s okra stew for you! The okra gives the stew a slightly gooey texture, but that’s what makes the stew so special.
It thickens it up, giving every spoonful a rich and heartwarming taste. Perfect for chilly evenings or when you just need a bit of comfort food.
Where Did Okra Come From?
Okra came from Africa and is this cool, green veggie that has been traveling around the world.
It started its journey in Africa and then made its way to America, India, and lots of other places. People love it because it’s not just tasty; it’s also good for your body.
What Are the Ingredients To Make Okra Stew?
To make Okra Stew with Lamb. You’ll need these ingredients below, I always get my okra frozen because it saves time and also it’s cheaper. I like the kind of Okra that I am linking below because it’s very good and tasty. You can find it easily on Amazon.
- Some lamb cut into nice bite-sized chunks
- Okra, fresh and sliced
- An onion, finely chopped
- A couple of cloves of garlic, minced (that’s chef talk for cutting it super tiny)
- Fresh tomatoes, diced up
- Your choice of broth, beef, or chicken works great
- A splash of oil for cooking
- Spices to taste—salt, pepper, maybe some cumin or paprika for extra flavor
How to Prepare Okra Stew?
To prepare this recipe you should follow the steps below:
Lamb First: We start by browning our lamb chunks in a pot with a bit of oil. This isn’t just to cook them; it’s to lock in those mouthwatering flavors.
Veggie Power: Once the lamb is set aside, into the onion and garlic. Cook these until they’re soft and your kitchen smells like heaven. Then, stir in the okra and tomatoes, mixing up a storm of colors and scents.
Bringing It Together: Now, reintroduce the lamb to the pot, pour in the broth, and sprinkle your chosen spices over everything. This is where the magic happens, and all those wonderful flavors start to get to know each other.
Slow and Steady: Let everything simmer together on a low heat. This part is important because it’s what makes the lamb super tender and allows the okra to do its thickening trick. Stir occasionally, and maybe sneak a taste or two.
Time to Feast: Once the lamb melts in your mouth and the stew has thickened to perfection, it’s ready. Serve this beauty with some fluffy rice or warm bread to soak up all that goodness.
What Is The Best Cooking Technique For Okra?
Roasting is the top method for cooking okra, effectively reducing its sliminess while amplifying its delicious taste.
To achieve the perfect roast, lightly coat okra pods with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and any spices you love, then place them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C).
Roast for 20-25 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside and tender inside, offering a delightful eating experience.
How Long Does It Take To Cook Okra?
The cooking time for okra varies based on the method:
- Frying: 5-10 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Boiling: 5-8 minutes for tender okra.
- Roasting: 20-25 minutes at 425°F (220°C) until crispy.
- Stewing: 20-30 minutes, added to dishes for a soft texture.
How Do I Know When The Okra Is Done?
You can tell okra is done by its texture and color.
When frying or roasting, look for a golden, crispy exterior and tender inside. If boiling or adding to stews, okra becomes softer and the green color brightens.
For stews, it’s also about the thickness it adds to the dish. Always taste a small piece to ensure it’s cooked to your liking!
How Can You Serve Okra Stew?
Okra stew is versatile and can be served in several delicious ways:
- Over Rice: Scoop it over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- With Bread: Serve it alongside crusty bread or warm naan for dipping into the stew.
- As a Side: It can complement grilled meats or roasted vegetables as a hearty side dish.
- With Couscous: For a different texture, try it over couscous, which pairs wonderfully with the flavors of the stew.
FAQ
What should be avoided with okra? Avoid cooking okra in iron pots, as it can cause the okra to become discolored and might affect its flavor. Also, avoid overcooking to prevent it from becoming too slimy.
What meat goes with okra? Lamb, chicken, and beef are great meat choices that pair well with okra, especially in stews and gumbos where okra helps thicken the dish.
How long does it take to cook okra? Frying takes 5-10 minutes, boiling 5-8 minutes, roasting 20-25 minutes at 425°F, and stewing 20-30 minutes.
Can you overcook okra? Yes, overcooking okra can make it excessively slimy and mushy. It’s best cooked until just tender.
Do you rinse okra before cooking? Yes, you should rinse okra under cold water before cooking to clean it and trim the stems.
Can you eat okra raw? Okra can be eaten raw and is often added to salads for a crunchy texture.
What’s the best way to cook okra so it’s not slimy? Roasting, grilling, or frying okra can reduce its sliminess compared to boiling or stewing.
Do you cut okra before boiling? It’s optional. Whole okra tends to be less slimy, but cutting it releases more of its thickening qualities into dishes.
Should okra be boiled? Boiling is fine, especially for soups and stews, but other methods like frying or roasting may be preferred to reduce sliminess.
Does okra clean the liver? Okra is high in antioxidants, which can support liver health, but it’s not a cure-all. A balanced diet is important for liver function.
Is roasted okra good for you? Yes, roasted okra is healthy. It retains most of its nutrients and is a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
Does boiling okra remove nutrients? Some nutrients may be lost in the boiling water, but okra still provides health benefits when cooked this way. To retain most nutrients, consider steaming or eating it raw.
What is the best cooking technique for okra? Roasting is often considered the best method for minimizing sliminess and enhancing flavor, making it a popular choice for those new to okra.
Okra Stew With Lamb
Ingredients
- 1 lb lamb shoulder cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 cups okra trimmed and sliced
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 large tomatoes diced
- 1 can 14 oz crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken or beef broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Lamb: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the lamb pieces with salt and pepper, then add them to the pot. Cook until the lamb is browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the lamb from the pot and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes. Add the cumin and smoked paprika, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Simmer the Stew: Return the browned lamb to the pot along with the fresh and crushed tomatoes. Stir in the chicken or beef broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 1 hour.
- Add the Okra: After the stew has simmered and the lamb is starting to become tender, add the sliced okra to the pot. Continue to simmer, covered, for another 30 minutes, or until the lamb is very tender and the okra is soft.
- Final Seasoning: Taste the stew and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle the stew into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve hot, ideally with a side of rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Enjoy your Lamb and Okra Stew, a dish that brings warmth and rich flavors to any meal!