Albanian Lamb And Okra Stew Recipes

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.

Steps:

• Boil the lamb on a high heat in water (with a touch of salt) for 2 hours. Drain the water into a jug through a sieve to separate the meat and stock ready for the recipe.
• Cut just the tip of the stalks off the top of the Okra, ensuring that no holes appear. Wash them in cold water (removing any dirt), pat dry straight away and then lay them spaced out on a baking tray.
• Place in a pre-heated oven at 150 degrees for 10 minutes.
• While the Okra is baking, fry the onions in some olive oil for a few minutes then add the lamb and brown.
• Add the garlic, tomato puree, salt, pepper and then half of the stock. Mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes.
• Lastly, remove the Okra from the oven and add them straight into the pan, including the rest of the stock. Place the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes.
• For the best results, do not lift the lid until the time is up then remove it from the heat, leaving it to stand for a couple of minutes before serving.

Steps:

• Trim the baby okras and wash in cold water and then place in a colander to drain.
• In a large saucepan, heat the oil or butter and add in the meat and brown on all side.
• Add the crushed garlic and chopped onions to the meat and saute till brown.
• Add in the chopped tomatoes, stirring in till the tomatoes are all broken down and soft, for about 10-15 minutes.
• Add in all the spices and salt and give it a good mix.
• Add enough water to cover the meat (about 7-8 cups) and stir to combine well.
• Add in the trimmed okras and bring to boil.
• Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is tender (the sauce will thicken as it cooks).
• Lastly, pour in the lemon juice and add in the chopped coriander and carefully stir once or twice (careful not to mash the okras) and gently simmer for another 5 minutes.
• Remove from heat and serve with rice.

Steps:

• Peel and thinly slice onions, then fry in oil until slightly golden.
• Wash and cut meat into small pieces and fry in onions and garlic until meat becomes opaque.
• Add 3 cups of hot water and bring to boil.
• Reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 45 minutes, adding more hot water during cooking if needed.
• When meat is tender, wash okra and remove stems.
• Add whole okra, salt, pepper and tomato paste to the meat and cook for another 10-15 minutes.
• Take care not to overcook the okras so that they do not become slick textured.
• Add lime juice, adjust seasoning and cook for another 3-4 minutes.
• If you wish to use potatoes, wash, peel, and cut them into small pieces, and add to stew when meat becomes tender, allowing 10-15 minutes of cooking before adding okra.