Living in the South I've had lots of exposure to okra. It's really exquisite with tomoatoes. You saute onions and a bit of garlic in a pot, then once that's done, either fresh or canned tomatoes, chopped, then chopped okra (across), water. Add salt, Cajun spices, black pepper to taste and let it simmer for an hour until everything is soft, steaming and smells irresistable.