Fish Stew with Vegetables

This may be the predecessor of Louisiana's gumbos. The okra acts as a thickening agent.

1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 cups water
1 cup uncooked regular rice
3 carrots, thinly sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra pods
1 (10 ounce) package frozen green beans
3 cups sliced cabbage
1 1/2 pounds catfish, perch, bass
    fillets, cut into serving pieces

Heat tomato sauce, water, rice, carrots, onion, salt and red pepper in Dutch oven to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook 10 minutes.

Rinse okra and green beans under running cold water to separate; drain. Cut okra lengthwise into halves. Add okra, green beans, cabbage and fish to Dutch oven. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and cook until fish flakes easily with fork and vegetables are tender — 10 to 12 minutes.

Yields 8 servings.