Okra with Beef

Okra with Beef Recipe from Romania - Ingredients: beef, okra, onion, lard, tomatoes, vinegar, salt, sugar, parsley

Region / culture: Romania | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Okra with beef is a delicious and hearty dish that combines tender beef with the unique flavor and texture of okra. This recipe is a popular choice for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal.

History

Okra with beef is a traditional dish that has been enjoyed for generations in many cultures around the world. The combination of beef and okra creates a flavorful and nutritious meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

1 lb / 500 g beef
1 lb / 500 g okra
1 onion
2 tbsp lard
4 - 5 tomatoes
1 tbsp vinegar
salt
a little sugar
minced parsley and dill

How to prepare

Cut the meat into bite-sized pieces and fry them in lard.
Next, add enough water to cover the meat along with a finely chopped onion.
Cover the pot and allow it to boil at a low temperature until the meat is nearly tender.
In a separate bowl, wash the okra and let it sit in water with 2 tbsp of vinegar. Also, add salt, sugar, quartered peeled and seeded tomatoes, a tablespoon of vinegar, minced parsley, and dill.
Continue boiling until the okra is almost cooked, then transfer the mixture to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes.

Variations

For a spicier version, add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the dish.
Substitute chicken or lamb for the beef for a different flavor profile.
Add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or carrots for added color and texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to cut the beef into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

- Frying the meat in lard adds a rich and savory flavor to the dish.

- Allowing the meat to simmer in water with onion helps to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

- Baking the okra mixture in the oven helps to meld the flavors together and create a delicious final dish.

Serving Suggestions

Okra with beef can be served with rice, couscous, or bread for a complete and filling meal. A side salad or steamed vegetables can also complement the dish nicely.

Cooking Techniques

Frying the beef in lard helps to brown the meat and add flavor.

- Simmering the meat in water with onion helps to tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

- Baking the okra mixture in the oven helps to meld the flavors together and create a delicious final dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Olive oil can be used in place of lard for a healthier option.

- Canned tomatoes can be used in place of fresh tomatoes if desired.

- Fresh parsley can be used in place of dill for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Okra with beef can be made ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve okra with beef in a large serving dish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for a beautiful presentation. Garnish with a lemon wedge or a dollop of yogurt for added flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

Okra with beef pairs well with a light and refreshing white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A glass of iced tea or lemonade also complements the dish nicely.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers of okra with beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of okra with beef contains around 300 calories, making it a satisfying and filling meal option.

Carbohydrates

Okra with beef is a low-carb dish, making it a great option for those following a low-carb or keto diet. Each serving contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

This dish is moderate in fats, with each serving containing around 15 grams of fat. The lard used for frying adds richness and flavor to the dish.

Proteins

Okra with beef is a protein-rich dish, with each serving providing approximately 25 grams of protein. The beef adds a hearty and satisfying element to the meal.

Vitamins and minerals

Okra is a good source of vitamins C and K, as well as folate and magnesium. The beef adds iron and zinc to the dish, making it a nutritious and well-rounded meal.

Alergens

This recipe contains beef, which may be an allergen for some individuals. It is important to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Overall, okra with beef is a nutritious and balanced meal option that provides a good mix of protein, fats, and carbohydrates. It is a satisfying and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion.

Summary

Okra with beef is a delicious and nutritious dish that combines tender beef with the unique flavor and texture of okra. This recipe is a great option for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare and full of flavor. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time is still fresh in my mind. It was many years ago, back when I was just a young girl living in the countryside with my family. We didn't have much money, so my mother had to get creative with the ingredients she had on hand. One day, she came home with a bag of okra and some beef from the market, and told me she was going to make something special for dinner.

I watched as she prepared the okra, slicing it into thin rounds and tossing it in a pot with some oil and spices. The smell that filled the kitchen was incredible, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish. As the okra cooked, my mother told me about how she had learned to make it from a friend of hers who had grown up in the South. She said that okra was a staple in Southern cooking, and that there were countless ways to prepare it.

When the okra was almost done, my mother added the beef to the pot and let it simmer together for a while, allowing the flavors to meld. Finally, she served up a steaming bowl of okra with beef over a bed of fluffy rice, and my taste buds were blown away. The okra was tender and flavorful, while the beef added a rich, savory element to the dish. I knew right then and there that this recipe would become a favorite in our household.

Over the years, I watched my mother make okra with beef countless times, and I eventually learned to make it myself. As I grew older and started my own family, I continued to cook this dish for them, passing down the recipe and the memories that came with it. Each time I make okra with beef, I am transported back to that first time I tasted it as a young girl, and I am reminded of the love and care that went into creating it.

As I got older, I began to experiment with the recipe, adding my own twist to it to make it truly my own. I started using different spices and seasonings, and even tried substituting the beef with other meats like chicken or shrimp. Each variation was delicious in its own way, but the original recipe always held a special place in my heart.

One day, I decided to enter a cooking competition in my town, and I knew that I had to showcase my beloved okra with beef recipe. I spent hours perfecting the dish, making sure every ingredient was just right and every flavor was perfectly balanced. When the day of the competition arrived, I was nervous but excited to share my creation with the judges.

As I presented my dish to the judges, I could see their eyes light up with curiosity and anticipation. I explained the story behind the recipe, how it had been passed down through generations in my family, and how it had become a symbol of love and tradition for us. The judges listened intently as I spoke, and then they took their first bites of the okra with beef.

To my delight, they loved it. They praised the flavors and textures, the perfect balance of spices and seasonings, and the tender meat that melted in their mouths. I was overjoyed when they announced me as the winner of the competition, and I accepted the trophy with tears of joy in my eyes.

Since that day, my okra with beef recipe has become famous in my town, and people from far and wide come to taste it. I am always happy to share the recipe with anyone who asks, knowing that it will bring them as much joy and comfort as it has brought me over the years.

As I sit here now, reminiscing about that first time I tasted okra with beef, I am filled with gratitude for all the memories and experiences that have come with it. This simple dish has brought me closer to my family, connected me to my roots, and allowed me to share a piece of myself with the world. And for that, I will always be grateful.