Posted at: 08/08/2009 9:15 AM
By: Shaw Rabadi, BFS Restaurant & Catering

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Okra-Tomato Tagine

Serves 8

When In season I always take advantage of this healthy vegetable, especially when prepared this way.

Enjoy

Ingredients:

-        1 lb fresh okra

-        6 large tomatoes

-        2 medium or 1 large onion

-        2 tbsp each chopped garlic, hot peppers

-        1 tsp paprika

-        2 tbsp cilantro, chopped

-        4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

-        paprika

-        Juice of ˝  lemon

-        Marinara sauce

Method:

-        Clean okra and cut into 1 inch pieces, on the bias.  Chop tomatoes into 1 inch pieces. Chop half the onion into ˝ inch pieces, slice the remaining onion.

-        Place 2 tbsp oil into skillet, heat medium.

-        Add chopped onion and sauté.

-        Place remaining oil into another skillet, heat medium and add the slice onion. Sauté until caramelized (add a little water if necessary); set aside and keep warm.

-        Add to chopped onions: cilantro, garlic, hot peppers, and paprika if desired. Continue to sauté.

-        Add okra, tomatoes and lemon juice.  If dry, add 1-2 cups marinara sauce.  Simmer for 20-30 minutes. 

-        Place in a serving bowl, topping with sliced onions. Garnish with toasted slices almonds if desired.

Note: This can also be served on top of rice, as a side dish with a meat, or you can make a soup out of it.