Khoresh Bamieh (Persian Okra Stew)

An easy recipe for vegan Khoresh Bamieh, a Persian Okra Stew. Serve with Persian rice for a complete meal.

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Why You’ll Love Khoresh Bamieh

• Bamieh is “okra” and Khoresh Bamieh is a Persian okra stew. I remember my aunt’s Koresh-e-Bamieh growing up! While it is traditionally made with beef or lamb, my aunt made it vegetarian, and it was delicious.
• Okra is a fruit but is utilized as a vegetable in cooking. While it is often overlooked, it actually has many nutrients and health benefits, including vitamin C, vitamin K, and antioxidants.
• There is also a sweet dessert called bamieh, which is a Persian fried dessert that is crunchy on the outside and soft and moist on the inside. A vegan version of that dessert will have to be another blog post.

Ingredients/Equipment Notes

To make this delicious Khoresh Bamieh, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements are in the recipe card below):

• 2 dozen okra (ends trimmed and cut once in half if they are large)
• medium shallot finely chopped
• garlic cloves minced
• 1 Serrano chili pepper (end trimmed and cut in half) – optional to add heat
• turmeric
• black pepper
• paprika
• salt
• cinnamon
• 8 oz package mushrooms (stem removed and roughly chopped)
• tomato paste
• ripe tomatoes (pureed in a blender)
• Brewed Saffron
• cooking oil (divided)

You will also need the following equipment:

• You will want a blender to puree the ripe tomatoes. I like this small blender on Amazon.
• I use a mortar and pestle to make the Brewed Saffron.

How to Make the Best Khoresh Bamieh

• Add 1/2 Tbsp cooking oil to a large pan on medium heat. Add the okra. Add the Brewed Saffron. Sauté the okra for about 10 minutes until slightly browned. Set aside.
• Add 1/2 Tbsp cooking oil to a medium pot on medium heat. Add the shallot. Sauté until golden (about 5 minutes).
• Add the garlic and Serrano chili pepper (optional) to the pot. Sauté another 2 minutes.
• Add the turmeric, black pepper, paprika, cinnamon and salt.
• Add the mushrooms and sauté for 1 minute.
• Add the pureed tomatoes and cook for about 5-10 minutes.
• Add the tomato paste and cook another 5 minutes.
• Add 2 cups water and cook on medium/low heat for 30-35 minutes (stirring occasionally).
• Add 1 cup water and the sautéed okra.
• Increase the heat and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat back to medium/low and simmer for another 20 minutes (stirring occasionally) until the stew and flavors are well blended.

How to Serve Khoresh Bamieh

Khoresh Bamieh is served with Persian rice. See our recipe below for Persian rice and other Persian vegan khoresh recipes:

• Persian Rice (Polo 101)
• Khoresh Karafs with Jackfruit
• Khoresh Fesenjoon
• Khoresh Karafs with Tofu
• Khoresh Gheymeh Bademjan
• Khoresh Ghormeh Sabzi

Did you make this recipe? Take a picture and tag us on Instagram @plant_basedpersian or share it on Pinterest!

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