Italian Stewed Okra

4 cups whole okra
1 cup diced tomatoes
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup water
1/4 diced onion
2 Tbsp chopped fresh basil
1/2 tsp olive oil
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp sugar

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan leaving okra whole, bring the mixture to a gentle bubble and reduce heat to low and stew for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking on the bottom.  I serve them and then each person just cuts off their own stems.