In a pot, cook 200 g of diced and washed beef in its own juices. Then add half a tea glass (about 50 ml / 3 tbsp + 1 tsp) of vegetable oil and sauté 1 finely chopped onion. Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste (domates salçası) and stir for a moment, then toss in 3 handfuls of washed and trimmed okra. Add 3 water glasses (about 600 ml / 2½ cups) of water. Add half a dessert spoon (about 1 tsp) of salt and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Once it comes to a boil, reduce the heat. Serve when the okra is cooked through. (If there isn't enough liquid, add a little more water.)

About This Recipe

Before we dive into the recipe for the famous Okra Soup (Bamya Çorbası) from Konya — the peaceful city of the late Mevlana — let's learn a little about the okra vegetable and its benefits together.

Okra is a vegetable rich in magnesium, fiber, iron, and calcium, as well as vitamins A and C. Experts recommend consuming it at least once a week during the summer months. Its rich mineral content both increases the body's fluid balance and provides essential vitamins and minerals. Belonging to the mallow family, okra grows in warm climates. In Turkey, it is cultivated as a crop in the Marmara and Aegean regions. It is also known to be widely consumed in Japan and India.

Thanks to antioxidants such as quercetin, catechin, epicatechin, rutin, and procyanidin, okra is one of the most effective vegetables for preventing diabetes. It prevents constipation. It strengthens bones. Its high vitamin C content promotes the renewal of damaged cells. It rejuvenates skin tissue and helps skin appear more youthful. It slows aging. It helps prevent asthma. People with kidney conditions should include foods with high fluid content in their diet, and okra is one of those foods. Its antioxidant richness prevents fluid retention and promotes its elimination through the urinary tract. It reduces stress and depression. Its strong folate content helps reduce neural tube defects in babies. Its high fiber content strengthens and protects the digestive system. It provides long-lasting satiety and the energy support the body needs. It balances stomach acid levels. It helps prevent ulcers. Regular consumption of okra helps keep obesity under control. It regulates cholesterol balance in the blood. Consuming okra is recommended against upper respiratory tract ailments. It fights free radicals in the body, forming a protective shield against cancer — especially colon cancer. It helps prevent heatstroke.

Konya's Okra Soup is just as famous as our heritage Çeşmi Nigar Soup recipe. So come on, let's head to the kitchen. Bon appétit in advance...