Hotel Galvez Shrimp Creole

Source: Hotel Galvez, Galveston, Texas

2 pounds bacon, diced into 1/4-inch pieces
2 large yellow onions, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
3 large green bell peppers, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1 bunch celery, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
12 1/2 cups tomato puree
1 (46 ounce can tomato juice
1 pint water
3 bay leaves
Salt and pepper
5 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined (if frozen, thaw)
1 pound cooked rice

Saute bacon until crisp. Do not drain.

Add vegetables and saute until soft.

Add tomato puree, juice, water and spices. Simmer for 1 1/2 hours.

Salt and pepper to taste. Add shrimp and cook until shrimp are done (about 10 to 12 minutes).

Serve over bed of rice.

Serves 10.