Add the olive oil to a large pot or Dutch oven set over medium heat, then add the diced onion and bell pepper and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Stir in the sliced sausage and cook until the sausage starts to brown around the edges.

Add the tomatoes, garlic, bay leaf, cayenne, salt, and black pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tomatoes soften and the garlic becomes fragrant.

Stir in the okra, vegetable broth, lemon juice, and hot sauce, and bring it to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook for 30 minutes or until the broth has reduced a bit and the okra is cooked through.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and fresh bread, if desired.