Zeytinyağlı Bamya

Okra & Tomato Dish 

• 1 lb. fresh Okra
• 3 Tomatoes
• Olive Oil
• 1 Onion, finely chopped
• 2 T. Tomato Paste
• 2 cloves Garlic, sliced
• ¾ c. Water
• 1 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Sugar
• ½ Lemon, squeezed

1. Wash the Okra well and spread out on a cloth to dry.
2. If you simply cut the ends off the mucilage (slime) will leak out. However, cut the ends in a cone-type shape. (See the video below where my friend’s grandmother so graciously showed how to do this.) Once all Okra is cleaned, set aside for later.
3. Wash and Peel 3 ripe Tomatoes then dice and set aside for later.
4. In a frying pan heat some Olive Oil and sauté the Onions.
5. Add the Tomato Paste and mix it in well.
6. Mix in the prepped Tomatoes and Garlic and continue to cook.
7. Add the Water, Salt, Sugar & Lemon Juice. Cook until bubbly then time for 5 minutes.
8. Add the prepped Okra. Cover with a lid and allow to cook until tender.
9. This dish can be served hot immediately or set on the counter to cool to room temperature before serving as a nice & refreshing side dish.