Beef and Ham Gumbo in Rice Border

Source: From "Grandmother's Legacy" - The Wichita Eagle10/31/01

1 pound beef, diced
3/4 pound cured ham, diced
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
1 onion, chopped
1 green pepper, diced
1 cup diced celery
Bay leaf
1 quart canned tomatoes
2 cups water
1 quart okra
Salt
Pepper

Cook beef and ham until tender. Add parsley, onion, green pepper, celery and bay leaf. Cook mixture for a few minutes, then add water and the tomatoes and simmer until tender. Add okra. Season to taste, and when okra is tender and stew is thickened, remove bay leaf and serve in rice border.