K-Jon's Smothered Okra

southern favorite, my mother started this but I tweaked it over the years now it's mine and is for large parties like my family :) If you don't have a large party cut by 1/3 and you should get enough for 4-6 servings.

• Ready In: 4 hrs 45 mins
• Serves: 10-12
• Yields: 1 gallon

Ingredients

• 48  ounces okra, chopped frozen
• 3 (28 ounce) cans whole tomatoes (do not drain)
• 3  cups onions, chopped
• 3  cups bell peppers, chopped
• 2  cups celery, chopped
• 2  tablespoons garlic, minced fine
• 8  ounces bacon, cut 3/4 inch squares
• 24  ounces  pickled  meat or 8  ounces ham
• 32  ounces chicken broth
• 2  tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2  bay leaves
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons basil
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons thyme
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons oregano
• 1 1⁄2 teaspoons parsley
• 1  teaspoon cumin
• 1  teaspoon cayenne (to taste)
• 1  teaspoon white pepper
• 2  tablespoons sugar
• 2  tablespoons cornstarch
• 2  tablespoons kosher salt, and pepper (to taste)

Directions

1. 1. Brown bacon crispy remove.
2. 2. Add onions to bacon fat and cook until translucent.
3. 3. Add peppers, celery and cook until soft.
4. 4. Add garlic and cook 5 minutes More.
5. 5. Crush by hand and add tomatoes, broth, spices.
6. 6. Stew mixture and simmer for 1+ hours or until done Now add okra salt & pepper to taste. Cook 1-2 hours more.
7. 7. Get 1 cup broth and whisk corn starch and add to stew. 15 more minutes or when desired consistency.
8. 8. Serve over rice or as a side dish.