Bamia (Okra Stew)

'll tell you what you can put there :

• 1 pound of okra
• 1 cup of water
• 1/2 onion, diced
• 6 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 Tbs lemon juice (or citric acid)
• Sugar or sweetner to taste
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, black pepper, salt, etc. to taste

  I'll tell you what you can do :

  The bamia (okra) that I make is as follows: In a large pot sauté the onions in olive oil. Cook until yellow, and then add one pound okra (cut in half, or smaller if bigger then 2"). Add salt, pinch black pepper, cardamon and one cup of water and cook covered for 15 minutes. Now add tomatoes or tomato pure, or both, as much as you like. Add lemon juice and sugar to taste. Cook one more minute. If too watery let it evaporate. If you like you can add tofu or sautéed beef at the end. You can enjoy bamia as a main dish or as a starter soup. Garnish with cilantro for a special touch!