Smothered okra is a southern classic.

Smothered Okra

10 slices of smoked bacon
2 pounds fresh okra, sliced
1 large onion, chopped fine
1 medium bell pepper, diced
1 medium tomato, diced
1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Fry bacon in large skillet until crisp. Drain bacon on paper towels; crumble of the 5 slices and set all aside.
3. Drain all but 2 to 3 tablespoons bacon drippings from skillet and heat over medium-high heat. When hot, add prepared okra, onion, bell pepper and tomato. Cook until vegetables until tender.
4. Add the crumbled bacon to the okra mixture and spoon into a greased 2-quart casserole dish.
5. Combine bread crumbs and Parmesan together; sprinkle over okra mixture. Drizzle with butter.
6. Bake for approximately 20 minutes. Garnish with remaining cooked bacon slices and serve.

Serves 8 to 10.