Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1 pound okra
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 large onions
• 2 green bell peppers
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 (1 pound 12 ounce) can tomatoes
• 2 (13 3/4 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 2 cups water
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon leaf thyme, crunched
• 1/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 pound shrimp (or more)
• Hot, cooked rice
• Gumbo file, as desired

Instructions

1. Heat oil and butter in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Sauté okra, onions and bell peppers for 3 to 4 minutes.
2. Sprinkle with flour. Stir until flour becomes golden brown.
3. Add remaining ingredients, except shrimp, rice and gumbo file. Simmer for 45 minutes.
4. Add shrimp. Cook for 5 minutes longer.
5. Season with gumbo file.
6. Serve over rice.

Attribution

Photo credit: jeffreyww CC BY