Soups & stews · Egypt

Egyptian Okra Stew

Name: Egyptian Okra Stew
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Egypt
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh okra pods, washed and ends trimmed; 1 onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons vegetable oil; 2 cups tomato purée or crushed tomatoes; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon ground coriander; ½ teaspoon ground turmeric; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

Egyptian okra stew is a popular and comforting dish in Egyptian cuisine. It features tender okra pods cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce, infused with aromatic spices. This stew is hearty, flavorful, and pairs well with rice or bread, making it a satisfying meal option.

Published October 15, 2026

EST. TOTAL TIME50 min

DIFFICULTYMedium

SERVESSee recipe

Time and difficulty are editorial estimates; allow extra time for your equipment and experience.

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What you’ll need

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Let’s make it

Step 1

Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the finely chopped onion to the saucepan and sauté until it becomes translucent and lightly golden.

Step 3

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 4

Add the tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes to the saucepan, along with the ground cumin, ground coriander, ground turmeric, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.

Step 5

Allow the tomato sauce mixture to simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 6

Add the trimmed and washed okra pods to the saucepan and stir gently to coat them with the tomato sauce.

Step 7

Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan with a lid, and let the stew simmer for about 20–25 minutes, or until the okra pods are tender. Stir the stew occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.

Step 8

Once the okra is cooked, taste the stew and adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

Step 9

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the stew sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.

Step 10

Serve the stew hot as a main course with rice or bread, and enjoy the delicious flavors of the tender okra and aromatic spices.