Tomato and Okra Stew

"Okra is an unusual and delicious vegetable. It releases a sticky sap when cooked, which helps to thicken the stew. This is a very healthy traditional Greek dish, great for a long lazy lunch out on the terrace on a sunny day. You can find the vegetables from the local green grocers or in the frozen section in the supermarkets."

Submitted by: Kate Kladis, owner of property 450514 in Zakynthos, Greece.

Ingredients (Serves 6):

1tbsp olive oil
1 onion, chopped
350g jar pimientos, drained
800g canned chopped tomatoes
275g okra
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

How to cook this dish:

1. Heat the oil in a heavy-based pan. Add the onion and cook for 2-3 minutes.

2. Coarsely chop the pimientos and add to the onion.

3. Add the chopped tomatoes to the pan and mix well.

4. Cut the tops off the okra and cut into halves or quarters if large. Add to the tomato sauce in the pan. Season with plenty of salt and pepper.

5. Bring the vegetable stew to the boil.Then lower the heat, cover the pan and simmer for 12 minutes, until the vegetables are tender and the sauce has thickened.

6. Stir in the chopped parsley and serve at once.

Serve with:

Local Greek cheese, wholegrain bread, Greek salad and taramasalata.

Property 450514 is a beautiful bungalow set in the peaceful countryside of Porto Koukla, southwest of Zakynthos island. Amidst olive groves and grape vines, and with a large garden around it, the property boasts a modern contemporary interior and features two bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, lounge and dining area and a big veranda surrounded by trees, flower beds and herbs. The perfect place to get away from it all!