'Bamies'

How much can I praise this simple vegetable that not many people like because they don't know how to prepare it and it ends up slimy.

The health benefits of bamies are almost endless, high in folic acid, Vitamin A, vitamin C, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, probiotics, and so much more.

I am astounded to learn that it helps asthmatics, normalises blood sugar and lowers cholesterol, has been used successfully in experimental blood plasma replacements, is believed to protect from some forms of cancer, especially colorectal cancer. Some information shows that it lowers the risk of cataracts.

I can go on and on. I had no idea till I started this search. It is a very versatile vegetable, apart from eating as a ladero; it is great with chicken and meat and combines beautifully with potatoes.

It is delicious but you must treat it so that it does not slime, very easy to do and don't be lazy about this as you will never learn to appreciate this tasty and healthy vegetable unless you prepare it correctly.

BAMIES DE-SLIMING METHOD:

Cut the stem only, making sure not to cut into the vegetable. Wash, place in a pan, sprinkle with vinegar and mix so that it covers the Bamies well, spread out in pan and sit in the sun for at least one hour. When ready to cook, wash well.

INGREDIENTS

1 kilo of Bamies, cleaned and de-slimed 1 cup of crushed to tomatoes (you can use tinned tomatoes) ½ bunch of finely chopped parsley 1 large onion chopped ½ cup olive oil ¾ teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon pepper

METHOD

1. Heat oil and sauté onion till translucent.

2. Add okra, stir with onion.

3. Add crushed tomatoes.

4. Add finely cut parsley and one cup of water.

5. Add salt and pepper. 6. Simmer for about 30 minutes or till okra is cooked.

7. Serve with Feta or Kefalograviera and fresh crusty bread. Manouri Cheese is also wonderful with these vegetable dishes, but difficult to come by outside Greece.

KALI OREXI Dora can be contacted at: dora@neoskosmos.com.au