Okra and Tomatoes

Name: Okra and Tomatoes
Ingredients: 28 ounces tomatoes, drained (, fresh, diced, crushed or stewed (See Recipe Notes)); 1-2 pounds fresh okra = (about 1½-2 cups cut okra); 1 tablespoon kosher salt ( to sprinkle on okra) ((See Recipe Notes)); 2 tablespoons oil (, olive, vegetable or canola); 1 cup yellow onion (,chopped); ½ tablespoon garlic (,minced (about two large cloves)); ½ tablespoon Creole or Cajun seasoning (, or to taste); 2 dried bay leaves; 1 cup water or vegetable broth; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon sugar ((optional) see recipe notes)