Vegetarian Okra Stew

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/4 cup celery, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 (14 ounce) cans stewed tomatoes, undrained
• 3 cups tomato juice

• 1 (15 ounce) can red beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 bay leaves
• hot pepper sauce
• 1 1/2 cups brown rice, uncooked, use quick cooking

• 1 (10 ounce) package okra, chopped

Directions

1. 1

   Heat oil in Dutch oven over medium heat.

2. 2

   When the oil is hot add the onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic.

3. 3

   Stir and allow to cook for 3 minutes, until vegetables are tender-crisp.

4. 4

   Next add the tomatoes, juice, beans, parsley, oregano, bay leaves, and hot pepper sauce to taste.

5. 5

   Bring to a boil and then add the rice.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat and simmer covered for approximately 15-20 minutes, until the rice becomes tender.

7. 7

   Finally add the okra, cover and allow to simmer 5-10 minutes until the okra is cooked. Remove the bay leaves and serve!