Okras Cook-Up Rice

[JOH]

This is the Guyanese version of this popular rice dish. In some islands it is done u with salted cod instead of beef.

Makes: 6 servings
Ingredients:

* 1 lb stew beef cut up into 1 inch pieces
* 2 Tbsp tomato ketchup
* 3 Tbsp Barbadian Seasoning
* 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
* 3 salted pig-tails soaked in hot water and left to stand for four hours
* 1 tsp basil
* 1 tsp marjoram
* 1 tsp MSG (optional)
* 1 cups coconut milk
* 8 oz okras cut into cartwheels
* 3 seasoning peppers * cut in half (optional)
* 3 cups long grain rice washed and soaked in water for 2 hours seasoning
* salt to taste
* 3 cups water


Method:
Season the beef with Barbadian Seasoning and ketchup. Heat the oil in a saucepan and stir-fry the beef for 5 minutes.
Drain and cut the pig-tails in half and add to the pot. Continue to stir-fry for a further 5 minutes.
Next, add three cups of water, the coconut milk, herbs, seasoning peppers and simmer for 30 minutes or until the beef is tender. Add the okras and continue to boil for a further 5 minutes.
Drain the rice and add to the contents of the pot; stir, then add enough water to just cover the mixture.
Adjust the seasonings, for example add seasoning salt and a little more Barbadian Seasoning, herbs and MSG. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat to the lowest level, cover and simmer for 25 minutes or until all the liquid is absorbed.

Note:
Seasoning pepper *: a variety of pepper that has very little heat but a strong aroma and flavour.