Vegan Emirati Inspired Okra Stew (Bamia)

Ingredients

• 1 lb Okra
• 2 cups Tomatoes
• 1 medium Onion
• 2 cloves Garlic
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 2 tbsp Tomato Paste
• 1 cup Vegetable Broth
• 1 tsp Cumin Powder
• 1 tsp Coriander Powder
• 1/4 tsp Chili Powder
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• 1/2 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1. 1Wash the 1 lb of Okra. Trim off the stem ends and the pointy tips. Cut the okra into 1/2-inch pieces. Peel and finely chop the 1 medium Onion. Peel and mince the 2 cloves Garlic. Finely chop the 1/4 cup Cilantro.
2. 2Heat the 2 tbsp of Olive Oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat (350°F / 175°C). Add the chopped 1 medium Onion and cook, stirring often, until it looks softened and is a light golden color, about 5 minutes.
3. 3Add the minced 2 cloves Garlic to the pot and cook, stirring constantly, until you can smell its fragrance, about 1 minute. Be careful not to let it burn.
4. 4Add the 2 cups of Tomatoes (chopped), 2 tbsp of Tomato Paste, 1 tsp of Cumin Powder, 1 tsp of Coriander Powder, and 1/4 tsp of Chili Powder to the pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes. The tomatoes should start to break down, and the spices will become very fragrant.
5. 5Add the cut 1 lb of Okra and 1 cup of Vegetable Broth to the pot. Stir everything together so the okra is coated in the tomato and spice mixture.
6. 6Increase the heat to bring the stew to a boil. Once boiling, immediately reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer gently for 25 to 30 minutes. The okra should be tender when pierced with a fork.
7. 7Stir in the chopped 1/4 cup Cilantro, 1/2 tsp of Salt, and 1/4 tsp of Black Pepper. Taste the stew and add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it.
8. 8Serve the Vegan Emirati Inspired Okra Stew hot. It is delicious on its own or with plain rice.

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