Best Albanian Lamb And Okra Stew Recipes

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ALBANIAN LAMB AND OKRA STEW



Albanian Lamb and Okra Stew image

September sees the start of the season of Okra and yes, it can be a slimy gooey vegetable if not handled right! This Albanian Lamb and Okra Stew is really quick to make, the smell is amazing and has a good balance of soft Okra but not gooey. The key to this Okra stew is not to pierce any holes in the Okra as this prevents them from going too slimy. Before you start this recipe you need to decide if you will use homemade stock or store brought. To make homemade stock it is best to use lamb chops or shanks.

Provided by My Albanian Food

Categories     European

Time 35m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 9

250 g okra
400 g diced lamb
1 diced onion
2 garlic cloves
500 ml lamb stock
2 tablespoons tomato puree
2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Boil the lamb on a high heat in water (with a touch of salt) for 2 hours. Drain the water into a jug through a sieve to separate the meat and stock ready for the recipe.
  • Cut just the tip of the stalks off the top of the Okra, ensuring that no holes appear. Wash them in cold water (removing any dirt), pat dry straight away and then lay them spaced out on a baking tray.
  • Place in a pre-heated oven at 150 degrees for 10 minutes.
  • While the Okra is baking, fry the onions in some olive oil for a few minutes then add the lamb and brown.
  • Add the garlic, tomato puree, salt, pepper and then half of the stock. Mix well and simmer for a couple of minutes.
  • Lastly, remove the Okra from the oven and add them straight into the pan, including the rest of the stock. Place the lid on and simmer for 20 minutes.
  • For the best results, do not lift the lid until the time is up then remove it from the heat, leaving it to stand for a couple of minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 685.1, Fat 43.7, SaturatedFat 16.2, Cholesterol 195.8, Sodium 2489.7, Carbohydrate 16.7, Fiber 5.4, Sugar 4.6, Protein 55.6

MIDDLE EASTERN LAMB AND OKRA STEW (BAMIA STEW)



Middle Eastern Lamb and Okra Stew (Bamia Stew) image

'Bamia' in Arabic means 'Okra'. This is an old Middle-Eastern recipe very popular throughout, served with rice.

Provided by AaliyahsAaronsMum

Categories     Stew

Time 2h45m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

600 g baby okra
400 g boneless lamb, cut into small chunks
4 -5 tablespoons oil or 4 -5 tablespoons butter
2 onions, chopped
700 g tomatoes, seeded and chopped
2 -3 garlic cloves, crushed
1 teaspoon cumin powder
1 teaspoon coriander powder
125 ml lemon juice
salt
1 bunch fresh coriander, roughly chopped

Steps:

  • Trim the baby okras and wash in cold water and then place in a colander to drain.
  • In a large saucepan, heat the oil or butter and add in the meat and brown on all side.
  • Add the crushed garlic and chopped onions to the meat and saute till brown.
  • Add in the chopped tomatoes, stirring in till the tomatoes are all broken down and soft, for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Add in all the spices and salt and give it a good mix.
  • Add enough water to cover the meat (about 7-8 cups) and stir to combine well.
  • Add in the trimmed okras and bring to boil.
  • Cover the pan with a lid and reduce the heat to low and simmer for 2 hours, until the meat is tender (the sauce will thicken as it cooks).
  • Lastly, pour in the lemon juice and add in the chopped coriander and carefully stir once or twice (careful not to mash the okras) and gently simmer for another 5 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and serve with rice.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 502.5, Fat 35.9, SaturatedFat 11.4, Cholesterol 72, Sodium 82.2, Carbohydrate 27.1, Fiber 7.9, Sugar 9.7, Protein 22.3

BRAISED LAMB SHANK AND OKRA STEW



Braised Lamb Shank and Okra Stew image

Also known as okra salouna, this flavor-packed Emirati stew combines two beloved Arabian Gulf ingredients: lamb and okra.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Meat & Poultry     Lamb Recipes

Number Of Ingredients 17

4 lamb shanks (1 to 1 1/4 pounds each)
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 medium red onions, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Arabic Spice Blend
2 pints cherry tomatoes
4 cups homemade or store-bought low-sodium chicken stock
3 cardamom pods, crushed
2 bay leaves
Pinch of saffron threads
1 cinnamon stick
1 pound small okra, halved lengthwise
1 cup lightly packed cilantro sprigs, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

Steps:

  • Make the lamb shanks: Allow lamb to come to room temperature. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously season lamb with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high. Working in batches, add lamb and cook until brown on all sides, about 12 minutes. Transfer lamb to a bowl.
  • Add onions and spice blend to pot and cook until onions are soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and add cherry tomatoes, stock, cardamom, bay leaves, saffron, and cinnamon to pot. Return lamb to pot and bring mixture to a boil. Cover and transfer to oven. Cook, turning halfway through, until meat is tender and falling off the bone, about 3 hours.
  • Just before serving, bring salted water to a boil in a medium saute pan. Add okra and cook until crisp-tender, 4 to 6 minutes.
  • Remove lamb from pot and skim any fat. Return lamb to pot along with cooked okra. Gently stir to combine.
  • Make the cilantro condiment: Combine cilantro, garlic, lemon zest, and oil and season to taste with salt and pepper. Spoon over lamb before serving.

Albanian cuisine is known for its unique, flavorful dishes that bring together a variety of ingredients and cooking techniques. One such dish that is incredibly popular is the Albanian lamb and okra stew. This dish is made with tender lamb pieces and fresh, juicy okra, along with a blend of spices and herbs that make it incredibly flavorful.

Ingredients

The ingredients required for this dish are as follows:
Lamb
The main ingredient in this dish is lamb, which is traditionally used in Albanian cuisine. You will need around 1-2 pounds of lamb for this recipe, which should be cubed into bite-sized pieces.
Okra
Fresh, juicy okra is another essential ingredient for this dish. You will need around 1 pound of okra, which should be washed, trimmed, and cut into 1-inch pieces.
Onions and Garlic
Onions and garlic are often used as a base for many Albanian dishes, and this recipe is no exception. You will need 1-2 onions, chopped, and around 4-5 cloves of garlic, minced.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes add a delicious, tangy flavor to the stew, and they also help to thicken the sauce. You will need around 2-3 fresh tomatoes, chopped, or one can of diced tomatoes.
Spices and Herbs
A blend of spices and herbs is used to season the stew, including paprika, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and salt and pepper.
Olive oil
Olive oil is used as the cooking medium for this dish, and it adds a delicious, rich flavor to the stew.

Preparation

To make Albanian lamb and okra stew, follow these steps:
Step 1: Brown the Lamb
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat a tablespoon or two of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the lamb pieces and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove the lamb from the pot and set it aside.
Step 2: Saute the Onions and Garlic
Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the same pot and saute for 2-3 minutes until they are fragrant and softened.
Step 3: Add the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes or canned tomatoes to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes start to break down and release their juices.
Step 4: Add the Spices and Herbs
Add the paprika, cumin, oregano, bay leaves, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot and stir to combine. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spices are fragrant.
Step 5: Add the Lamb and Okra
Add the browned lamb pieces back into the pot, along with the chopped okra. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Step 6: Simmer the Stew
Add enough water to the pot to just cover the meat and vegetables. Bring the stew to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes to an hour, stirring occasionally, until the lamb and okra are tender and the sauce has thickened.

Conclusion

Albanian lamb and okra stew is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cozy weekday dinner or for entertaining guests. It is packed full of flavor, with tender lamb pieces and fresh, juicy okra, along with a blend of spices and herbs that make it incredibly aromatic and delicious. Try this recipe today and discover the joys of Albanian cuisine!
Albanian lamb and okra stew is a traditional dish that originated in Albania. It is a hearty dish that is perfect for cold winter days. The dish combines tender lamb meat with flavorful okra and a variety of aromatic spices. While the recipe may seem overwhelming, with a little bit of preparation and some useful tips, you can easily make the perfect Albanian lamb and okra stew. In this article, we'll discuss some valuable tips that you should keep in mind when making this delicious dish.

Choose Fresh Ingredients

When making Albanian lamb and okra stew, it is crucial to choose fresh ingredients. Fresh ingredients contribute to the overall taste of the dish. Make sure to choose fresh lamb meat and fresh okra. You should also choose fresh vegetables such as onions, garlic, and tomatoes. Fresh vegetables contain more natural flavors which will enhance the taste of your dish.

Prepare your Ingredients Beforehand

Before starting to cook, you should prepare your ingredients beforehand. This will allow you to concentrated on the cooking process and avoid any accidents that can occur when preparing the ingredients. Chop your vegetables, wash your okra, and dice your lamb meat before starting to cook.

Season your Meat Properly

Seasoning your meat properly is one of the most important things that you should do when making Albanian lamb and okra stew. Seasoning your meat adds flavor and enhances the overall taste of your dish. You should season your lamb meat with salt and pepper before cooking. You can also use other seasoning like thyme, oregano, and rosemary to add more flavor to your meat.

Use Quality Cooking Equipment

To create the perfect Albanian lamb and okra stew, you should use quality cooking equipment. A high-quality pot will ensure that your stew cooks evenly, and your ingredients don't burn. A pot with a heavy base is recommended when making stews, as it retains heat and distributes it evenly. Additionally, a non-stick pan will make clean-up much easier and keep your food from sticking to the pan.

Choose the Right Cooking Time and Temperature

The cooking time and temperature are crucial when making Albanian lamb and okra stew. You should cook your ingredients on low to medium heat for an extended period. Cooking on low heat will give the lamb meat time to cook and become tender, while also allowing the okra to cook through. You should aim to cook your stew for at least 1-2 hours.

Stir your Stew Regularly

Stirring your stew regularly will ensure that your ingredients cook evenly. When cooking lamb and okra stew, you should stir the ingredients in the pot every 15-20 minutes. Stirring the stew will ensure that the flavors blend together and that the stew is cooked evenly. It will also prevent the ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Taste-test your Stew

Taste-testing your stew is essential to ensure you get the perfect flavor. You can adjust the seasoning to your liking by tasting your stew as it cooks. Add spices and seasoning as needed to get the perfect taste. Remember, seasoning can be added in the later stage of cooking to give your stew a more pronounced flavor.

Cook your Okra Properly

Cooking okra properly is vital when making Albanian lamb and okra stew. Overcooking okra can make it slimy, which can make the stew less appealing. To avoid this, add the okra to the stew halfway through the cooking process. This will ensure that the okra cooks through without becoming slimy.

Watch your Liquid Levels

When making stew, it's essential to keep an eye on the liquid levels. You want enough liquid to cover the ingredients in the pot but not too much that it becomes a soup. You can add more liquid if you find that your stew is too dry. On the other hand, you can decrease your liquid levels by allowing the stew to simmer uncovered for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Making Albanian lamb and okra stew can seem overwhelming at first, but by following these tips, you'll get delicious results. Preparing your ingredients beforehand, choosing quality ingredients, and cooking on low heat for an extended period will ensure that your stew is flavorful and tender. Remember to taste-test your stew and adjust the seasoning as needed to get the perfect taste. With these tips, you can make the perfect Albanian lamb and okra stew every time.

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