2 tbsp. vegetable oil
2 tbsp. flour
1 c. finely chopped onion
1 1/2 finely chopped scallions
1 c. finely chopped celery
1 c. finely chopped sweet green pepper
1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic
1 c. smoked ham, 1/2" cubes
2 c. canned crushed tomatoes
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 c. rice
1/4 tsp. hot red pepper flakes
4-5 c. clam juice
2 lb. shrimp, shelled & deveined
Salt & pepper to taste

Heat the oil in a heavy bottomed soup pot over medium-high heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until lightly browned.

Add the onion, scallions, celery, green pepper and garlic. Cook, stirring, until wilted. Stir in the ham, tomatoes, thyme, oregano, rice, hot pepper flakes and clam juice. Bring to boil and cook for 30 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer for 5 minutes more. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serve very hot. (6 servings.)