Smothered Okra

1/3 cup vegetable oil
2 pounds okra, washed under cool water, stemmed
    and cut crosswise into 1/2-inch slices
3 cups chopped onions
2 cups chopped green bell peppers
1 cup chopped celery
2 (1 pound) cans whole tomatoes, crushed with their liquid
3 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
3/4 cup water or chicken broth

Heat the oven to 350 degree F.

Pour the oil into the bottom of a large roasting pot, not cast iron. Add the remaining ingredients and stir to mix well. Cover the pot with a lid. Bake, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Reduce the heat to 300 degrees F. Continue baking, with the lid on, for one and half to two hours, or until the slime has disappeared. Bake, uncovered for the last 15 minutes of the cooking time. The time will vary according to the tenderness of the okra. Remove and cool completely before storing in freezer containers.

This is excellent to serve as a side dish or to use as the base for okra gumbo.

Makes 10 servings.