Oven Chicken and Okra Gumbo

Submitted by ratherbeswimmin

"In 'Screen Doors and Sweet Tea' by Martha Hall Foose."

 

• Ready In: 3hrs 45mins
• Ingredients: 13
• Serves: 10

ingredients

• 2 lbs okra, sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 celery rib, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (14 1/2 ounce) can peeled whole tomatoes
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 3 cups diced cooked chicken
• 6 ounces tasso or 6 ounces smoked ham, diced
• 1 quart chicken broth
• salt
• fresh ground black pepper
• 4 cups cooked white rice

directions

1. Preheat the oven to 250° (yes, 250°).
2. Combine the okra, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, and tomato paste in a large roasting pan.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour or until very tender.
4. Remove the foil and add the chicken, tasso, and broth.
5. Return to the oven and bake for 1 1/2 -2 hours, or until desired thickness.
6. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Ladle the gumbo into bowls and spoon a little rice into the center of each one.