Bamya Bil Lahme (Okra With Meat Stew) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 tablespoons unsalted butter or 6 tablespoons olive oil
2 lbs lamb or 2 lbs beef stew meat
2 onions, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander (or 4 whole pods)
1 cup chopped tomato (peeled and seeded)
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup stock (beef)
2 cups water
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
1 1/2 lbs okra (baby, fresh or frozen)
1 lemon, juice of

Preparation

Heat 4 tablespoons butter or oil in a large stock pot over medium high heat. Working in small batches, brown meat, turning constantly, until browned on all sides, about 10 minutes.
Add onions to meat and saute until translucent, 8-10 minutes.
Add garlic, cumin, coriander, tomatoes, tomato paste, and stock. Stir well.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Cover tightly and cook for about 45 minutes- 1 hour or until meat is tender. Add more water if it becomes dry.
Prepare okra by rinsing in cool water. Cut the stem end off each and poke holes in them to absorb the liquid.
Once meat is tender add okra and 1-2 cups water.
Pour lemon juice over mixture (this reduces the slimy texture of the okra).
Cook an additional 30-45 minutes on low heat until it has a thick stew consistency and okra is soft.
Serve warm with rice.