Baharat Spice Mix

Ingredients: Nutmeg , Black Pepper, Coriander Seed, Cumin Seed, Cloves, cinnamon, Cardamom, Paprika, chili.

Baharat simply means “spices” in Arabic. Baharat is the name given to a typical blend of aromatic spices used widely in the recipes of the Gulf States, and in Arabic and Iraqi cooking. Baharat usually contains hot spices, sweet spices, warm spices, and resinous herbs. It can be used to flavor lamb beef dishes, and tomato sauce.


Okra with Tomato Sauce

Yield: 6

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 lb frozen or fresh okra (can be sliced or whole)
2 fresh tomatoes, chopped
1 large onion, chopped fine
4 cloves of garlic
2 teaspoons tomato paste
1 cup vegetable broth or water
1 tablespoon fresh parsley finally chopped
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro finally chopped
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon baharat spice
1/2 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon cumin
2 bay leaves

In a large cooking pot, heat the oil and add the chopped onion, frying until golden brown about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and cook for 3 minutes or until tomatoes are soft. Add spices: paprika, black pepper, baharat, cumin, bay leaves, and salt. Mix well and cook for a couple of minutes to combine flavors.

Add tomato paste and cook for 2-3 minutes. Add parsley, cilantro, and okra; mix all ingredients well. Add vegetable broth or water and mix. Reduce the heat, cover and simmer over low heat until okra is soft, about 45 minutes.

About 30 minutes into cooking taste the sauce and re-season if necessary with ¼ teaspoon each of salt, pepper, and baharat. If the sauce is thickening too fast during this cooking time, add water to retain the consistency and to prevent burning.

Serve over rice.