A Taste of Jordan: Vegetarian Bamia

Near the Mediterranean Sea, Jordan shares many of the regions culinary traditions, such as fresh veggie based dishes filled with healthy fats like olive oil.

With only a handful of ingredients, Bamia comes together quickly and easily. While traditionally made with lamb, goat, or chicken, my recipe is a vegetarian version. Serve over rice, with fresh bread, or on its own. It's a quick meal for a Kiva Fellow on the go!

Serves 2
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups fresh okra stemmed and washed
3 tomatoes, diced
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Bread or rice optional

Directions
1) Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium high heat with chopped garlic. Cook till garlic begins to brown, remove from heat.
2) Place chopped tomatoes, cooked garlic, and okra in a non-stick baking dish. Drizzle tablespoon of olive oil over top. Sprinkle with salt. Broil in oven until okra browns (chars), remove from oven. Charring gives this dish its unique, rich flavor, so this step is critical!
3) Add a 1/3 cup of water to the baking dish, stir, and replace in oven at 400F for 10 minutes.
4) Salt and pepper to taste.
5) EAT!