Bamya

Description
Meat and okra stew

Ingredients

 * 2 lbs stewing lamb or beef, cut into one-inch cubes.
 * 2 onions, finely chopped
 * 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
 * 1 teaspoon ground cumin
 * 1 teaspoon ground coriander
 * 1 cup peeled, seeded and chopped tomatoes
 * 3 tablespoons tomato paste
 * 1 cup stock (beef) or water, or as needed
 * 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint (optional)
 * salt and freshly ground pepper
 * 1½ lbs okra
 * juice of 1 lemon

Directions

 * 1) Preheat an oven to 325°F (165°C)
 * 2) In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, warm 1 tablespoon of the butter or oil per serving.
 * 3) 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.
 * 4) Add the onions to the fat remaining in the frying pan and saute over medium heat until tender and translucent, 8-10 mins.
 * 5) 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.
 * 6) Cover and bake until all the liquid is absorbed, about 1½ Hrs. Taste and adjust the seasonings.
 * 7) Meanwhile, prepare the okra as directed in the note above.
 * 8) In a saute pan over medium heat, warm the remaining ½ tablespoon (per serving) of butter or oil Add the okra and saute for 3 mins, stirring gently.
 * 9) 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.
 * 10) Bake for 35 minutes longer. Add stock or water if the mixture seems too dry.
 * 11) Serve the "bamia" stew piping hot.