Creole Shrimp Gumbo

Course :	Gumbo
From:	HungryMonster.com
Serves:	8-10

Ingredients:

1	slice	ham cut into small pieces -- (1/2 lb.)
2	pound	okra -- cut in 3/4 inch pieces.
1 1/2	cups	chopped onion
2	stalks	celery with leaves -- chopped
1/2	medium	chopped green pepper with seed and membrane removed
2	cloves	garlic
1	sprig	fresh thyme or 1/3 tsp. dried thyme
1	piece	bay leaf
1 1/2	cups	canned tomatoes
6	cups	water
2	pound	fresh shrimp
2	tablespoons	chopped parsley
2	cups	Boiled rice

Preparation:

Sauté ham lightly in skillet. Sauté okra slowly in ham drippings for 10 minutes (if you use canned okra, omit the sautéing). Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add celery, green pepper, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, tomatoes and water. If a thick gumbo is desired, use less water. Shell and remove veins from shrimp. Let soup boil then reduce heat. Add ham, shrimp and parsley. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with boiled rice.

Nutritional Information:

301 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (5% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 61g Carbohydrate; 18mg Cholesterol; 688mg Sodium