Greek-style Okra Stew

Ingredients

• 500g (1.1 lb) okra 500g (1.1 lb) okra
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes 400g (14 oz) canned diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 bay leaf 1 bay leaf
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 7g, 1g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 26g, 8g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 9g
• Salt: 0.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Wash the okra and trim off the stems. Leave them whole or cut them in half lengthwise, depending on your preference.
2. 2.
   Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they turn golden brown.
3. 3.
   Add the okra to the pot and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
4. 4.
   Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cinnamon, and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. 5.
   Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the okra is tender and the flavors have melded together.
6. 6.
   Remove the bay leaf and stir in the lemon juice. Adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. 7.
   Serve the Greek-style Okra Stew hot, accompanied by crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Okra — To prevent the okra from becoming slimy, make sure to wash and dry them thoroughly before cooking. If you prefer a less slimy texture, you can also blanch the okra in boiling water for a few minutes before adding them to the stew.

Tips & Tricks

• For a heartier meal, you can add diced potatoes or carrots to the stew.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
• To enhance the aroma, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top before serving.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed the next day, as the flavors tend to develop and intensify over time.
• This stew tastes even better when prepared a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Serving advice

Serve the Greek-style Okra Stew hot, garnished with a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Accompany it with crusty bread or fluffy rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Presentation advice

Present the Greek-style Okra Stew in a rustic clay pot or a colorful ceramic bowl to showcase its vibrant colors. Sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an added pop of green.