Greek Okra Stew (Bamies)

This Okra Stew recipe is a traditional dish know as Bamies in the Greek culture. It's comforting, unique, and so yummy.

Course Vegetarian Meals

Cuisine Greek

Keyword okra

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 40

Total Time 55

Servings

Calories 387kcal

Soak the trimmed okra in a large bowl of water with a few big pinches of salt for 15 minutes while you prep the other ingredients.
Once the okra has soaked, drain and set aside. Into a large pot on medium heat, add olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add onion and garlic and saute 3-5 minutes, until onions are translucent.
Add okra that's been soaked and drained, the chopped potatoes, parsley and red wine vinegar. Stir and cook 8-10 minutes until the potatoes start to develop a bit of colour.
Add vegetable or chicken stock paste, cook for a minute. Add fresh tomato wedges, stir and cook for 1 minute. Add tomato paste, cook for another minute.
Add 1/3 cup pureed tomatoes or passata and stir to combine. Finally add salt, pepper, sugar and water and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, keeping at a simmer with the lid on the pot for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Check once and a while to make sure there is always water in the pot. You don’t want this to be a soup-like dish but you definitely want some extra liquid so you can enjoy that beautiful sauce with a slice of bread. If needed, add 1/2 cup more water. After 15-20 minutes, serve in bowls topped with feta and a drizzle of olive oil and a slice of bread to dip in.

If you like this recipe you'll love our Fasolakia (Greek Green Bean Stew)
Serve with our Fluffy Greek Pita Bread Recipe
If you don't have chicken stock paste, use 2 cups chicken stock instead of water.