Bamia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bamia

Bamia stew
Alternative names	Bamieh, Bamya, Bame
Course	Meal
Region or state	Tanzania, Kenya, Armenia, Afghanistan, Turkey, Cyprus, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Romania, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, Palestine, Sudan, Jordan, Arabian Peninsula
Main ingredients	lamb meat, okra, bay leaves, salt, pepper

Bamia is a Middle Eastern, Armenian, Afghan, Kurdish, Anatolian and Turkish stew prepared using lamb, okra and tomatoes as primary ingredients. Additional ingredients used include tomato sauce, onion, garlic, cilantro (coriander), vegetable oil, cardamom, salt and pepper. The word "bamia" itself simply means "okra" and it is etymologically an Arabic word.

Vegetarian bamia is very popular during fasting seasons such as Easter in Greece and Cyprus.

Regional variations

In Turkey, bamia (natively bamya) is an Anatolian stew that has a sweet and sour flavor. It is prepared using okra, lemon juice, olive oil, sugar, salt and pepper. Turkish bamia is sometimes served as a palate cleanser between food courses at ceremonial feasts.

In Egypt, sinew (tendons) of lamb are typically used, which can endure long cooking times. Ta'aleya, an Egyptian garlic sauce, is used as an ingredient to add flavor to bamia.

In Iran and Afghanistan, bāmieh is served as a khoresh along with rice and is a popular dish in the southern provinces.

Terminology

In Arabic Arabic: بامية, bamyah or bamia bi-lahm (Arabic: البامية باللحم أو شوربة البامية okra with meat; Greek: μπάμια; Turkish: bamya.

See also

In Spanish: Sopa de bamia para niños