Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

½ cup Canola oil
¾ cup Flour
1 cup Onion, diced
½ cup Celery, diced
½ cup Bell pepper, diced
1 ½ cups Fresh okra, sliced
2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
1 ½ pounds Small shrimp
2 tsp Salt
1 ½ tsp Black pepper
2 tsp Creole Seasoning
1 tsp Thyme, dry
1 cup Tomatoes, diced
2 quarts Shrimp stock, hot
2 Tbsp Hot Sauce
½ tsp Cayenne pepper

In a large skillet, combine oil and flour to make a dark roux. Cook over medium heat, stirring often until roux is very dark (be careful not to burn).

Add vegetables, garlic, spices and shrimp and continue to cook for five to seven minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Meanwhile, bring shrimp stock and tomatoes to a boil. Slowly add roux mixture to boiling stock and mix well. Lower heat to a slow simmer, and cook 10 more minutes. Add hot sauce and cayenne pepper.

To serve, place ½ cup of cooked white rice in a bowl then pour 8-10 ounces of hot gumbo over the rice. Serve with toasted French bread.

Yield: 1 gallon