Okra Bamia Red Sea Style (Massawa Tomato, Garlic & Cardamom Braised Okra) – Authentic Eritrea Recipe

Ingredients for Okra Bamia Red Sea Style (Massawa Tomato, Garlic & Cardamom Braised Okra) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender whole okra pods, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crushed plum tomatoes, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup caramelized onions and rice/flatbread
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with garlic
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Eritrea seasoning (ginger, coriander, cardamom pinch, lime juice)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown tender whole okra pods for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, garlic, and ginger, coriander, cardamom pinch, lime juice, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add crushed plum tomatoes and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in caramelized onions and rice/flatbread right before serving warm.