Middle Eastern Vegetarian Okra Stew [Bamyeh] Sauté 1 large onion + 5 cloves of sliced garlic. Add your bag of frozen baby okra & turn the heat to high (use small or sliced okra as a substitute). Sauté on high heat for 6-10 minutes or until they appear slightly crisped. Add 3 heaping tablespoons of tomato paste and stir till it deepens in color. Add water to cover the okra. Add the juice of 2 lemons, cover with a lid and let stew. This is what it looks like after 20 minutes. Keep going... Add 1/2 cup of chopped cilantro. Serve with fresh veggies and fluffy vermicelli rice. Sahtain!