Nita’s Shrimp Gumbo

Nita Aber

½ cup bacon drippings
or cooking oil
4 tbsp. flour
1 lb. okra
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 qts. hot water
2 lbs. shrimp

1 can (No. 2) tomatoes
2 tbsp. green pepper, chopped
2 tbsp. celery leaves, chopped
3 bay leaves
¼ tsp. thyme
salt & pepper
2 tbsp. gumbo filé

In a saucepan over a gentle flame sauté bacon drippings or cooking oil & flour until the flour turns a dark brown. Stir constantly. Add okra & cook until brown & until the moisture has evaporated, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Just before okra is browned add garlic, finely chopped. When okra is brown add 2 qts. hot water, mixing it well, add shrimp, can of tomatoes, chopped green pepper, chopped celery leaves, bay leaves, thyme, salt & pepper to taste, bring to a boil & simmer gently for at least 1 hr. When ready to serve add gumbo filé to thicken.