Bamia Recipe Palestinian Vegetarian Style Made Easy

Bamia is a beloved dish throughout the Middle East, cherished for its unique blend of tangy, savory, and fresh flavors. Traditionally, it’s a meat-based stew made with okra and tomatoes, simmered to perfection with aromatic spices.

However, this Palestinian vegetarian version of bamia offers a delightful twist that is equally satisfying and packed with wholesome ingredients. Whether you follow a plant-based diet or simply want to enjoy a lighter, vegetable-forward meal, this recipe captures the heart of Palestinian cuisine with a vegetarian-friendly approach.

The combination of tender okra, ripe tomatoes, garlic, and warming spices creates a dish that is both comforting and vibrant. Its simplicity makes it an excellent choice for weeknight dinners, while its rich flavors make it worthy of special occasions.

Plus, bamia is naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a nutritious addition to your meal rotation. Ready to bring a taste of Palestine into your kitchen?

Let’s dive into this wonderful vegetarian bamia recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Palestinian vegetarian bamia recipe is a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a flavorful stew that’s both hearty and healthy. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy traditional Middle Eastern flavors without meat.

The okra lends a unique texture and slight earthiness, while the tomatoes provide a natural tang and sweetness that balances the dish beautifully.

Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also lends itself well to batch cooking, making it a great option for meal prep. The warming spices such as cumin and coriander add depth without overpowering the fresh vegetable flavors.

This recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and can be adapted to your taste preferences. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy authentic Palestinian cuisine in a plant-based way.

Ingredients

• 500g fresh okra, trimmed and washed
• 4 medium tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Equipment

• Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
• Sharp knife and chopping board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Bowl for soaking okra (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the okra: Rinse the okra thoroughly and trim the stems without cutting into the pods to avoid sliminess. Set aside.
2. Sauté the aromatics: Heat the olive oil in your pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
4. Incorporate the spices: Add cumin, coriander, paprika, and cinnamon to the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to toast the spices slightly, releasing their aroma.
5. Add tomatoes and tomato paste: Mix in the chopped tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin breaking down and the sauce thickens.
6. Add the okra: Gently fold in the okra pods, coating them with the tomato-spice mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes to let the okra absorb the flavors.
7. Pour in broth and simmer: Add the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender but not mushy.
8. Season and add lemon juice: Taste and season with salt and pepper. Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors just before serving.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the stew and serve hot with your favorite side dishes.

Tips & Variations

“To reduce the sliminess of okra, soak it briefly in vinegar or lemon water before cooking, and avoid over-stirring during simmering.”

• If you prefer a thicker stew, cook uncovered for the last 10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
• For extra depth, add a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of ground allspice.
• Try adding diced potatoes or carrots to the stew for added heartiness.
• For a spicier version, include a chopped green chili or some red pepper flakes.
• Serve with a side of rice, bulgur, or warm pita bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegetarian bamia pairs wonderfully with a variety of Middle Eastern staples. Serve it over fluffy white or brown rice to soak up the flavorful tomato sauce.

You can also enjoy it alongside warm pita bread or flatbreads for a more casual meal.

For a complete Palestinian-inspired dinner, complement your bamia with dishes like Mujaddara (lentils and rice) or a fresh fattoush salad. If you’re interested in expanding your repertoire of Middle Eastern vegetarian recipes, check out the Half Runner Beans Recipe for another healthy and flavorful dish.

Conclusion

This Palestinian vegetarian bamia recipe is a true gem for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Middle Eastern flavors without meat. Its balance of tender okra, zesty tomatoes, and aromatic spices creates a comforting and nutritious meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

The recipe is straightforward, making it ideal for cooks of all skill levels who want to explore new cuisines.

Not only does this dish celebrate Palestinian culinary traditions, but it also demonstrates how plant-based cooking can be vibrant and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a special gathering, bamia is sure to impress with its rich flavors and wholesome ingredients.

Don’t forget to pair it with some warm bread or a simple salad to round out your meal.

For more delicious vegetarian recipes that showcase the beauty of Middle Eastern cooking, be sure to visit our Kosher Vegetarian Recipes section, and if you have a sweet tooth, you might love our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for dessert!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Bamia Recipe Palestinian Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional Palestinian okra stew made without meat, featuring tomatoes and aromatic spices. This vegetarian version is hearty and perfect served with rice or bread.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT45M”, “totalTime”: “PT1H”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“500g fresh okra, trimmed”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 large onion, finely chopped”, “3 garlic cloves, minced”, “400g canned diced tomatoes”, “2 tablespoons tomato paste”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 teaspoon ground coriander”, “1 teaspoon ground cumin”, “Salt to taste”, “Black pepper to taste”, “Juice of 1 lemon”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add chopped onions and garlic, saut\u00e9 until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in ground coriander and cumin, cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and vegetable broth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring to a simmer, then add the okra.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper, cover and cook for 30 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add lemon juice, stir gently and cook for another 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve hot with rice or bread.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “150 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “4 g”, “fatContent”: “7 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “18 g”}}