OKRA AND TOMATO GUMBO RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Fry bacon in a large skillet that can be covered, until crisp. Remove from skillet and drain on paper towels. Saute onion in bacon drippings until tender. Add okra and tomatoes, stir to blend. Cover, reduce to low heat. Cook for about an hour, or until okra is tender, stirring occasionally. Do not stir too much or too briskly, because the okra will fall apart. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.
• **Note: Nanny diced the bacon and fried it and the onion together. My family doesn't like the bacon cooked into it because the bacon becomes soft. If you do it my way, you can sprinkle the bacon on right before serving.

Steps:

• Wash the okra in cool water.
• Remove the caps and tips and cut into 1/4-inch rounds.
• Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
• Fry the okra, stirring constantly, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until most of the slime disappears.
• Add the tomatoes, onions, and celery and cook, stirring often, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the okra and other vegetables are soft and the slime has completely disappeared.
• Add the salt, cayenne, bay leaves, thyme and water.
• Stir and bring to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.
• Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.
• Remove the bay leaves and serve in deep bowls.