Growing up, Bamia (okra) was one of those dishes that always felt like home. My family has always loved it, and now I get to share it with my own kids. This Bamia Bowl with Lamb is one of my all-time favorite comfort foods—it’s simple to make, yet full of flavor and so nourishing. The tenderness of the lamb, the earthiness of the okra, and the richness of the tomato-based sauce create the perfect balance of flavors. It’s a dish that always brings me back to my roots and reminds me of the warmth of family meals.

What I love most about this dish is how I make it healthier by avoiding deep-frying the okra and instead letting it simmer with the lamb. This method preserves the okra’s texture and allows it to absorb the rich flavors of the lamb and spices, while also keeping it light and easy to digest. For me, this version of Bamia is not only comforting but also nourishing.

Okra is packed with fiber, which is fantastic for digestion, and it’s full of essential vitamins and minerals. I highly recommend this dish for kids—it’s a great way to introduce them to a variety of vegetables in a flavorful way. The spices, the tender lamb, and the creamy yogurt make it a wholesome, well-rounded meal.

Ingredients for Bamia Bowl with Lamb:

For the Lamb:

• 300 grams of bamia (okra)
• 1 tablespoon ghee (for grilling the bamia)
• 300 grams of lamb, cut into pieces
• 1 tablespoon ghee (for grilling the lamb)
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 tomatoes
• 1 red pepper
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tomato Sauce:
In a blender or food processor, combine the 3 tomatoes and 1 red pepper. Blend until smooth to create your tomato sauce. Set aside.

2. Cook the Lamb:
Heat 1 tablespoon of ghee in a pot over medium heat. Add the lamb pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Remove the lamb and set it aside.

3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add 1 tablespoon of ghee. Sauté the chopped onion for about 3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the cumin, coriander, bay leaves, and cinnamon stick. Sauté for about 3 minutes to release the spices’ aromas.

4. Add Lamb and Tomato Sauce:
Return the browned lamb to the pot and pour in the tomato sauce. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, allowing the flavors to meld together.

5. Cook the Bamia (Okra):
In a separate pan, sauté the bamia with 1 tablespoon of ghee for about 10 minutes, until tender. After the lamb has simmered for 45 minutes, add the cooked bamia to the lamb pot. Let everything cook together for the last 10 minutes.

6. Adjust the Consistency:
If you feel the dish needs more liquid, add about ½ cup of bone broth. If the color isn’t as rich as you’d like, add a teaspoon of tomato paste to deepen the red hue.

7. Serve and Garnish:
Serve your Bamia Bowl with Lamb hot, garnished with fresh herbs like cilantro or a dollop of yogurt for added creaminess.

This Bamia Bowl is a dish that holds so many memories for me, and I’m so happy to be able to pass it on to my family. The rich, spiced lamb, the tender okra, and the creamy yogurt come together in a comforting bowl of warmth that’s perfect for any time of the year. It’s such a versatile dish, great for both a cozy dinner and a special family meal.
Perfect for: A comforting meal to enjoy with your loved ones. It’s simple, nourishing, and a true taste of home.
Enjoy this flavorful and healthy Bamia Bowl with your family, and let the warmth of this dish bring comfort to your home!