Oven Chicken And Okra Gumbo - cooking recipe

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

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 250\u00b0 (yes, 250\u00b0).
Combine the okra, onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, and tomato paste in a large roasting pan.
Cover with foil and bake for 1 hour or until very tender.
Remove the foil and add the chicken, tasso, and broth.
Return to the oven and bake for 1 1/2 -2 hours, or until desired thickness.
Season with salt and pepper.
Ladle the gumbo into bowls and spoon a little rice into the center of each one.