Stewed Okra and Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 4 slices bacon
• 2 small onions, chopped
• 1 large clove garlic, minced
• 1 1⁄2 lb. small firm okra, stemmed, washed, and cut into 3⁄4" rounds
• 4 ripe but firm large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 1 small fresh hot red pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 2 tsp. salt
• Pinch of dried thyme
• Pinch of dried basil
• Cooked white rice
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste