Ingredients

• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 1/2 cups chopped okra
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3/4 cup chopped celery
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 4 cups water
• 2 cups chopped tomatoes
• 1/3 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 pound cooked ham, cubed
• 1 (15.5 ounce) can black-eyed peas