Charred okra with tomato, garlic & preserved lemon

Okra in the Middle East is smaller and much less sinewy than the type we usually get in Britain. It is very popular in Jerusalem, where it is normally cooked with tomato, onion and garlic, often served with fresh coriander. Tamarind syrup and lemon juice are also popular accompaniments.

When okra was in season Sami’s grandmother used to thread it, like a necklace, onto a long string, hang it in a cool place and leave it to dry. This would late