Bamies Latheres me Domata: Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce

By
Lynn Livanos Athan
Lynn Livanos Athan
First-generation Greek American, Lynn Livanos Athan has published many recipes. She has culinary school training and teaches Greek cooking.
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Updated on 09/3/21
Bamies Latheres me Domata: Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce

The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

Prep: 75 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 115 mins
Servings: 4 to 6 servings

Okra is one of those vegetables that people seem to either love or hate. If you aren't a fan, this recipe for stewed okra with tomatoes may change your mind. Bamies latheres me domata (stewed okra in tomato sauce) is a simple Greek vegetarian dish that will work well as a side or as a light entrée.

The main reason people don't care for okra is because of its sliminess. Okra contains something called mucilage, a substance also present in aloe, that makes the vegetable slimy. And cooking brings out this sliminess even more. But there are ways to cut down on the slippery coating, including soaking the okra in a water-vinegar mixture before cooking, as is suggested in this recipe. Also, make sure it is completely dry before adding it to the pot.

In addition, cutting it into large pieces, bringing the okra to room temperature, and letting it sit out for an hour will allow it to dry and reduce sliminess when cooking. Keeping the okra whole is another way to lower the slime factor, as is precooking quickly at a very high heat. If you are boiling okra, a few drops of lemon or lime juice in the water will help. 

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds okra, stems trimmed

  • 1/2 cup white vinegar

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 1/4 cup olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, diced

  • 1 clove garlic, minced

  • 8 ounces tomato sauce, or tomato puree

  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

  • 1/2 cup water

  • Salt, to taste

  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    Bamies Latheres me Domata: Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce ingredients

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  2. Soak the okra for at least an hour before cooking in a large bowl filled with some water, white vinegar, and 1 tablespoon salt.

    okra, water, white vinegar, and salt in a bowl

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  3. Drain the soaking liquid from the okra before cooking but do not rinse the pods. Dry okra well.

    drain the okra

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  4. In a large soup pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and saute until translucent, about 5 minutes.

    onions cooking in a pot

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  5. Add the garlic and saute until fragrant about 1 or 2 minutes.

    onions and garlic cooking in a pot

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  6. Add the okra, tomato sauce, parsley, and water. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat until tender, about 30 to 40 minutes depending on size. Be sure to monitor your liquid levels in the pot and add a bit of water if needed.

    Add the okra, tomato sauce, parsley, and water to the onion in the pot

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga

  7. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste and serve.

    Bamies Latheres me Domata: Stewed Okra in Tomato Sauce in a pot

    The Spruce / Diana Chistruga
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
127 Calories
9g Fat
9g Carbs
3g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 to 6
Amount per serving
Calories 127
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 12%
Saturated Fat 1g 7%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 1358mg 59%
Total Carbohydrate 9g 3%
Dietary Fiber 4g 14%
Total Sugars 5g
Protein 3g
Vitamin C 26mg 128%
Calcium 104mg 8%
Iron 1mg 5%
Potassium 318mg 7%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)