SMOTHERED OKRA

SMOTHERED OKRA

3 pounds fresh or 3 bags frozen, (not breaded) okra

Salt, red and black pepper to taste

3 Tbsp. vegetable oil

3 tomatoes, peeled and chopped

1 bell pepper, minced

2 onions, minced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 Tbsp. butter

Fresh hot pepper (optional)

If fresh okra is used wash and dry each piece and slice very thin.  If okra is frozen, be sure to defrost the okra thoroughly, until all is separated, as though it was just cut.  Season okra well with salt, red and black pepper.  Into a heavy Dutch oven or heavy skillet, put in the oil and heat.  Add okra and simmer 15 to 20 minutes, until it is no longer "ropey".  Then add tomatoes, tomatoes, onion, bell pepper and garlic.  Let all simmer well, partly covered, stirring often so as not to stick or burn.  Continue cooking until all looks cooked and oil comes to the top and okra shrinks from sides of the pot.  Add the butter to the top of the okra.  Hot fresh peppers can be minced and added to okra before taking it up.  This can be put in a Pyrex dish and kept warm in the oven at 200°.  Serves 6-8.