Tagen Bamia(Oven-baked Okra/Lady Fingers)

2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 garlic clove, finely chopped
1 1/2 pound okra, cleaned, blanched
2 cups tomato sauce
1 bay leaf
1 pinch ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon cardamon, ground
2 medium tomatoes, peeled, seeded and cubed
1 tablespoon fresh coriander, finely chopped
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat butter in a pot. Saute the onion and garlic quickly in the hot butter. Add the okra, tomato sauce and spices and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Add the tomato cubes and chopped coriander and bring to a boil again. Season to taste.

- recipe courtesy Robert and Carolyn Black,
Trans World Travel Writers