Quick Frozen Okra with Chili Tomato and Basil (Bamia)

This is a little riff on a classic Middle-Eastern dish named Bamia, using a highly under-rated veggie – frozen okra.

I think it’s the texture that many people don’t like, but luckily you can minimize that if you know how to cook it.

I’m crazy about this dish because it ticks almost every box for a perfect side dish to a meal at home.

For one, it’s incredibly healthy, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan and keto – so almost anyone can enjoy this.

But the best part is the flavour you get from the use of fresh garlic, dried Aleppo chili and tomato paste which add a ton of umami.

Oh, and what’s even better? This dish is ready in under 15 minutes – with one pan!

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Why I Love Frozen Okra

What I love about frozen okra, is that it’s ready all year round, and I can easily store a few bags for later in my freezer.

Where I live, fresh okra is not easy to find. That’s why I usually bulk up on the frozen bags sold by my local Middle-Eastern grocer.

Just like other frozen veggies, frozen okra is usually pretty cost-effective and a great way to save money on groceries.

Plus, did you know that frozen vegetables can be just as nutritious as fresh vegetables? [1]

Yes, you read that right!

This is because of modern-day farming practices where fresh vegetables are picked at their peak season and flash-frozen immediately. This means their flavour and nutrition are preserved effectively unlike fresh veggies that sit out on a grocery shelf and diminish in quality.

Not all veggies are great frozen, but a bag of frozen okra is always a winner for me.

What is Bamia and Bamya?

Bamia or Bamya is a traditional Middle Eastern dish involving a wide mix of ingredients including (but not always): stewed okra, tomatoes, coriander, onions, garlic, pomegranate syrup, and cardamom.

This dish can be found in Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Turkey, Egypt, and even in some parts of Greece.

Every country will tell you that their Bamia is the best one, just like how the different regions of Italy can never agree on the same way to make bolognese sauce.

I’ve done my own freestyle on this recipe as I don’t like coriander at all and I LOVE Aleppo chili. It’s hard to replace coriander, but I went with fresh basil (tomato’s best friend) which brings a different but delicious twist to this classic.

Although I think my recipe is delicious, it’s by no means authentic. If you’re looking for an authentic recipe from an actual expert on Middle Eastern cooking, try this book: Mourad: New Moroccan.

Tips for Cooking Frozen Okra

You don’t want to cook okra in water like other green vegetables because the texture will be a little too “slimy”.

Here are a few tips to make okra more delicious:

Don’t Cut the Okra Before Cooking

Slicing them raw will worsen the effect of that slimy texture. Instead, buy whole fresh or frozen okra, and don’t slice it.

Fry the Okra in Oil to Improve the Texture

Frying the okra in lots of oil removes the sliminess and adds extra flavour by browning.

Be warned that frozen okra will splatter in the oil, so use a pan with high sides to prevent making a mess in your kitchen.

Use Acidic Ingredients when Cooking Okra

Acidic ingredients like tomato, lemon, lime, and vinegar will improve the texture of the okra.

In this recipe, we’re using fresh tomatoes which is enough, but you could still add a little fresh lime if you prefer it to taste a little sharper.

Frozen Okra Key Ingredients

Here are some key ingredients for this recipe:

Tomato paste: This is optional, but the tomato paste adds a nice sweetness, as well as some umami to the dish. Although you may want to skip the tomato paste if you already have very ripe summer tomatoes. Then the fresh flavour of the tomatoes is more desirable.

Aleppo Chili: One of my favourite spices right now because it adds a nice flavour without being too hot. Make sure to buy the “sweet” Aleppo chili as they also sell a “hot” one.

Garlic: Lots and lots of garlic is key to this recipe. Don’t skip this!

Tomatoes: Feel free to use canned or fresh tomatoes here. Fresh tomatoes might have a bit more water, so you’ll likely need to add more water if you use canned tomatoes instead.

Pomegranate Syrup: This syrup adds a darker colour as well as some sourness to the okra. I prefer it without, but some authentic recipes call for it.

How to Make this Okra

Here are the simplified steps to make this frozen okra:

1. Heat lots of olive oil in a pan with high sides over medium heat.
2. Add the frozen okra directly to the oil and stir. (Be careful not to burn yourself here!)
3. Fry until the edges of the okra are golden brown.
4. Add tomato paste, and Aleppo chili and cook for 30 seconds.
5. Turn off the heat, add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
6. Immediately add the tomatoes, salt, and water and bring them back to a simmer. Put a lid on the pan and simmer on low for about 10 minutes or until the okra is soft but not overcooked.
7. Finish the okra with a glug of olive oil and fresh basil. Enjoy!

Try these Other Sides

• These Smoked and Roasted Leeks with Raz el Hanout Spice
• Easy Sheetpan Roasted Cauliflower with Sesame and Gochujang Mayo
• These Deliciously Buttery Hedgehog Mushrooms
• The Crispiest Baked Sweet Potato Wedges
• These Quick and Easy Garlicky Padron Peppers with Maldon Salt and Lime