Stewed Okra (Yakhnet Bemyieh)

Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Put a bowl of ice water near the stove. Cut an X in the bottom of each tomato. Cook the tomatoes until the X begins to split, about 1 minute. Transfer the tomatoes to the ice bath to cool for 30 seconds. Drain, peel and chop.

Dry the pot. Add oil and heat over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened but not browned, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes, cilantro stems, water, salt and crushed red pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are mostly broken down and the mixture is saucy, about 15 minutes.

Add okra and cook, stirring occasionally and adjusting the heat if necessary, until the okra is very tender, 30 to 40 minutes. Stir in cilantro leaves and pomegranate molasses. Serve warm or cold.