If you grew up eating bamiya (Middle Eastern okra stew), chances are you either absolutely love it… or you’ve met someone who refuses to eat it. There doesn’t seem to be much middle ground when it comes to okra.

In our house, we are definitely in the love it category.

Bamiya is one of those comforting meals I make often, especially when I want something hearty and full of flavor. Tender lamb simmered with okra, tomatoes, garlic, and warm Middle Eastern spices creates a rich stew that is perfect served over vermicelli rice.

My kids love it, which always surprises people because okra gets such a bad reputation. I honestly can’t imagine not liking bamiya, but if I had to guess why some people don’t enjoy it, it’s probably the texture. When okra isn’t cooked properly it can be a little slimy — but when it’s cooked right, like in this Instant Pot bamiya recipe, it becomes tender and perfectly coated in the tomato sauce.

The Instant Pot also makes this dish incredibly simple to prepare while still giving you the deep flavor that traditional bamiya is known for.

Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Bamiya Recipe

• Fast and convenient thanks to the Instant Pot
• Traditional Middle Eastern flavors
• Tender lamb and perfectly cooked okra
• A comforting meal perfect for family dinners
• Even better the next day

Ingredients

• 1 kilo fresh or frozen okra
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp dry coriander
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ kilo lamb stew meat, cubed
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp seven spice
• Salt, to taste
• 3 tbsp fresh chopped cilantro (optional)
• ½ cup chicken stock or water

How to Make Instant Pot Bamiya

Step 1: Sauté the spices

Set the Instant Pot to Sauté mode. Add the olive oil and dry coriander and allow it to warm until fragrant.

Step 2: Cook the aromatics

Add the chopped onions and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Brown the lamb

Add the lamb stew meat and brown it well on all sides. This step adds a lot of flavor to the stew.

Once browned, turn off Sauté mode.

Step 4: Add the remaining ingredients

Add the okra, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, seven spice, salt, and chicken stock.

Stir gently to combine.

Step 5: Pressure cook

Seal the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook for 20 minutes.

Step 6: Release the pressure

Once cooking is complete, manually release the pressure.

Optional finishing step

For extra flavor, sauté fresh cilantro and minced garlic in olive oil until golden, then pour it over the stew before serving.

How to Serve Bamiya

Bamiya is traditionally served with vermicelli rice, which soaks up the rich tomato sauce beautifully.

You can also serve it with:

• warm pita bread
• a simple cucumber yogurt salad
• fresh lemon wedges

Tips for the Best Bamiya

Use lamb for the best flavor.
Lamb adds a deep richness that really makes this dish special.

Frozen okra works perfectly.
It’s convenient and cooks beautifully in the Instant Pot.

Don’t over stir the okra.
Stir gently to keep the pods intact.

Leftovers taste even better.
Like many stews, the flavors deepen overnight.