Before coming to Turkey, I have seen okra only in Indian movies. Later I found out that in Macedonia okra is very popular and people eat it on a daily basis, when in season, which is summertime. Even Serbia (where I come from) and Macedonia were a one country once-upon-a-time, in Serbia, this plant cannot be seen in green markets. After I was introduced to okra in Turkey it was love at first bite.

Okra is a flowering, green, fiber-rich plant popular in many parts of the world. It’s health benefits include improved digestive function, it prevents cancer, it’s good for your bones and eyes, boosts skin health and many more. Okra varies in size and it can be anywhere from 1cm long to around 15cm. Probably even bigger exist, but in Turkey, the biggest I saw is about 15cm long. It is believed that smaller the okra, the tastier it gets, but in my opinion, it just means more work you have to do for trimming it. So, no thank you, bring me some big okra! 🙂

If you never tried this amazing plant, here’s a perfect chance to try this recipe of stewed okra Turkish style. This Turkish dish is very healthy and so tasty.

This Turkish food itself is not complicated, but the process of cleaning okra might take some time. In Turkey, people clean okra by cutting the upper, hard part of the plant, but be careful to cut the upper part of the plant in a conic shape, so the beneficial juices can stay inside the okra. But cutting completely the upper part will also do. It’s up to you and how much time you have on your hands for cooking.

In Turkish language okra is “bamya”.

Stewed Okra And Tomatoes Recipe

• 1kg cleaned okra
• 4 tomatoes
• 2 onions
• 1.5 tablespoon pepper paste (salça in Turkish language) – omit if you don’t have
• juice of 1 lemon
• salt to taste
• olive oil
• 2 cups water

1. Heat oil in a big pot. Add chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until just tender, about 2 minutes.

2. Add chopped tomatoes, pepper paste and salt.

3. Cook, stirring frequently about 5-6 minutes.

4. Add okra and lemon juice.

5. Add water, cover and simmer until very tender.

5. You can serve it hot or cold.*

*In Turkey there is a vegan group of dishes called Zeytinyagli (dishes with olive oil), that can be served hot or cold. They contain only vegetables and olive oil.

Share your thoughts in the comment box below or contact me directly. I wonder are you familiar with okra and is it present in your country of origin.  I would like to hear your opinion about this healthy and tasty stewed okra Turkish way and will make sure to answer as soon as possible. Make Turkish food at home and make everyone around you very happy!

Happy cooking! 🙂

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