Bumya Turkish Okra Recipes

TURKISH OKRA CASSEROLE

Steps:

• If using fresh okra, trim away any tough stems.
• If frozen okra is used, defrost and drain.
• Trim off the ends of the eggplant and cut unpeeled eggplant into one-inch cubes.
• Trim the ends of the zucchini and cut into unpeeled zucchini into one-inch cubes.
• Using a vegetable peeler, peel away the skin of the bell peppers; halve them and remove cores, veins and seeds.
• Cut bell peppers into one-inch pieces.
• Peel and dice onion into one-inch pieces.
• Peel, core and seed and dice tomatoes into one-inch pieces.
• Pre-heat oven to 375°F.
• Heat the oil in a large, heavy casserole (stove top/oven ware) and add the onion and eggplant cubes.
• Cook, stirring often, about five minutes.
• Add zucchini, tomatoes and green pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, about two minutes.
• Stir in the garlic, pepper flakes, parsley, bay leaf and thyme.
• Add the drained okra and salt to taste.
• Place in the oven, uncovered, and bake for about one hour.
• Remove bay leaf and serve.

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.

BUMYA TURKISH OKRA

Steps:

• Heat the oil and saute onion until golden.
• Then add the tomato and saute for a few minutes and then add the remaining ingredients and bring to boil.
• Reduce to low heat and simmer until the okra is tender.
• Serve with or over rice and a green salad.