Bamieh bil Zeit (Palestinian Braised Baby Okra with Whole Garlic Cloves & Pomegranate) – Authentic Palestine Recipe

Ingredients for Bamieh bil Zeit (Palestinian Braised Baby Okra with Whole Garlic Cloves & Pomegranate) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) tender baby okra pods, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups crushed plum tomatoes, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup warm pita bread
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with 8 whole garlic cloves
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Palestine seasoning (fresh cilantro, pomegranate molasses splash, Palestinian olive oil)
• 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 baby okra pods for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, 8 whole garlic cloves, and fresh cilantro, pomegranate molasses splash, Palestinian olive oil, 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 warm pita bread right before serving warm.