Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

• 2 lbs. fresh okra, cut into small pieces
• 2 lbs. shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup onions, chopped
• 1/2 cup celery, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 quarts water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Make medium color roux with oil and all-purpose flour. Add onions, celery, salt, pepper, garlic and cook over low heat for 5 minutes then add water.

In another pot smother okra in 1/2 cup oil for approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Add the roux to okra and bring to a boil. Add shrimp and cook another 3o minutes. Serve over long grain rice. Serves 6 to 8.