Print

Bamya (Middle Eastern Okra Stew) with Vermicelli Rice

Print Recipe

A hearty, spiced tomato-based okra stew known as Bamya, slow-simmered with garlic, onions, and warm Middle Eastern spices. Served with buttery vermicelli rice, this comforting dish is a staple in many Levantine and Mediterranean homes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups okra (fresh or frozen), trimmed
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • 1 cup basmati rice, rinsed and soaked
  • 1/3 cup broken vermicelli noodles
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
  • 1 3/4 cups water
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, sauté until golden.
  2. Stir in okra, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, ground coriander, cinnamon, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Add 1 cup water or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the okra is tender and the sauce has thickened.
  4. Garnish the stew with chopped parsley before serving.
  5. For the rice, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add broken vermicelli noodles and sauté until golden brown.
  6. Add drained basmati rice to the saucepan and stir to coat with the oil or butter.
  7. Pour in 1 3/4 cups water and add salt to taste. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
  8. Remove rice from heat and let sit, covered, for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
  9. Serve the Bamya stew hot over the vermicelli rice or alongside it.

Notes

  • Frozen okra works well for convenience, but fresh provides better texture.
  • For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water in the stew.
  • This dish can easily be made vegan by using olive oil and vegetable broth.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.

Nutrition

Keywords: Bamya, okra stew, vermicelli rice, Middle Eastern recipe, vegan stew, tomato okra, basmati rice

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/bamya-middle-eastern-okra-stew-with-vermicelli-rice/