Cooked white rice in large heavy saucepan, over low heat, melt 1 cup butter

Add the flour, and cook on low heat until the roux is dark brown (30-45 minutes stirring constantly)

Add onion, celery, peppers and garlic. Sauté until it's translucent

Mix in okra and remaining ingredients including 1 tbls of additional butter.

Simmer over med-low heat until thick, about 1 hour

Remove bay leaves, and serve