Bamia bil zeit translates to okra in oil. In Lebanon and the Middle East there is a wide variety of vegan stews refered to as "bil zeit dishes" meaning no meat is involved, and the fat content in those stews is the liquid gold of the Mediterranean which everyone knows as olive oil. Just take a brief look at the ingredient list and there is no need to explain how healthiful bamia bil zeit is, just lke most Mediterranean plant centered dishes.
Ingredients
1kg/ 2lb 2 oz fresh okra
2medium sized onionsfinely chopped
8garlic clovessliced or crushed
10medium sized red and firm tomatoes
1/2cupolive oil+ 4 tablespoons
1/4cupwater
Salt to taste
1/2teaspoontomato paste
3or more pomegranate molassesoptional
1/2 teaspoonground cilantro/ coriander
Crushed red Habaneros or chili flakesoptional
Instructions
Clean and trim the okra: Trim about 1/4 inch/0.6 cm off the top of the okra, while reserving its conical shape (watch the video tutorial), wash and drain.
Roast the okra: Okra needs to be roasted or fried to get rid of its slippery texture, I am going to keep it healthy and roast in the oven, and the result is good as well. Toss the okra with salt and 4 tablespoons of olive oil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, arrange the okra in a single layer and bake in the oven of 230 °C/ 450 °F until golden brown, flipping midway through baking. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool down a bit.
Peel the tomatoes: Bring a large pot of water to a boil, and make a shallow x, using a knife, on each tomato. Drop them in boiling water for a few seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside to cool down. Use your fingers to peel the tomatoes.
Make the red tomato sauce: Heat olive oil in a pot, add the onions and cook, stirring occasionally, till transparent, add the crushed or sliced garlic, give a quick stir and cook for 30 seconds, make sure not to burn the garlic (garlic burns easily). Add the chopped tomatoes and cook over low heat for about 7 minutes. Stir in the water and tomato paste, stir well to infuse everything together, season with salt, crushed Habaneros (if used) and ground cilantro.
Stew the roasted okra: Ass the roasted okra to the pot and let it simmer, covered, on low heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. And if you're a pomegranate molasses lover, drizzle 3 tablespoons or more to provide the bamia with a sweet and tangy undertone. Serve it with Lebanese bread, pita bread, white rice or rice and vermicelli.
Notes
How should I serve bamia bil zeit?
Lebanese Bread/ Arabic Bread: This is the classic Lebanese pairing, and my favorite way of enjoying bamia bil zeit.
White rice: Serve it over a bed of white rice as a vegan main.
Another way to enjoy leftovers! If you have leftovers, smother an Arabic bread round with red pepper paste on one side and on the other side add the leftover braised okras, fold itup and enjoy.
