Okra Pilau (AKA Limpin’ Susan) – Garden & Gun

Ingredients

• 3 thick-cut slices bacon, cut into ¼-inch dice
• 2 cups sliced (½-inch) fresh okra
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic (1 clove)
• 1 cup long-grain rice (preferably Carolina Gold)
• 2 cups Chicken Stock (recipe below)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (5- to 6-pound) stewing hen or 3 pounds chicken bones (backs, necks, etc.)
• 1 medium onion, quartered
• 3 celery stalks, with leaves, ends trimmed
• 3 bay leaves
• ¼ teaspoon black peppercorns
• 2 sprigs thyme or ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• 3 sprigs parsley