Greek cuisine · Soups & Stews

Bamies Kokkinistes (Braised Okra)

Okra pods braised soft in a spiced tomato sauce with onion and parsley, eaten lukewarm with bread.

Ingredients · for 4 servings

• 500 g okra pods (fresh or frozen)
• 2 onions
• 3 cloves garlic
• 400 g chopped tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 3 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1/2 bunch parsley
• 1 tsp sugar
• 6 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, pepper

Instructions

1. Wash the okra pods, trim the stem ends into a cone shape without opening the pod, and let them steep sprinkled with the vinegar and 1 tsp salt for 20 min. – this removes their sliminess.
2. Briefly rinse the okra afterward, pat dry carefully and set aside; cut the onions into fine half-rings and chop the garlic.
3. Heat the olive oil in a wide pan and sweat the onions over medium heat for 6–8 min. until soft, then fry the garlic briefly for 1 min.
4. Stir in the tomato paste and toast for 1 min., add the chopped tomatoes, sugar, 150 ml water, salt and pepper and simmer for 5 min.
5. Lay the okra pods side by side in the sauce and braise covered over low heat for 30 min. – do not stir, just shake the pan gently so the pods stay whole.
6. Finally, reduce uncovered for 5 min. until the sauce is thick, sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve lukewarm with white bread.