Shrimp Gumbo

Ingredients

• 1  bay leaf 
• 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes diced canned
• 2 tablespoons flour all-purpose
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 8 servings ground pepper black to taste
• 3 cups okra chopped
• 2  onions chopped
• 1  bell pepper red chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt 
• 2 pounds shrimp deveined peeled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 
• 2 quarts water 

Equipment

• frying pan
• whisk

Directions

1. In a large skillet over high heat, add 2 tablespoons oil and flour to the pan, and whisk together quickly. Continue cooking and stirring until a dark roux forms. Stir in shrimp. Cook and stir for a few minutes, until the shrimp turns pink. Set aside.
2. In another pan, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat. Stir in okra and onions; cook until okra is tender.
3. Mix in tomatoes.
4. Add water, bay leaf, garlic, salt, red pepper, and the shrimp mixture. Cover, and cook slowly for 30 minutes.