Okra Gumbo

Okra Gumbo

2 pounds okra
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 cups chopped, peeled and seeded fresh tomatoes, or 2 cups chopped canned tomatoes
1 cup chopped yellow onions
1 cup chopped celery
1 3/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
5 bay leaves
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 quarts shrimp stock, or water
2 pounds medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Chopped parsley and thinly sliced green onion tops for garnish

Wash the okra in cool water.

Remove the caps and tips and cut into 1/4-inch rounds.

Heat the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.

Fry the okra, stirring constantly, for 10 to 12 minutes, or until most of the slime disappears.

Add the tomatoes, onions, and celery and cook, stirring often, for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the okra and other vegetables are soft and the slime has completely disappeared.

Add the salt, cayenne, bay leaves, thyme and water.

Stir and bring to a boil.

Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes.

Add the shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes.

Remove the bay leaves and serve in deep bowls.