1/4 c. butter
2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 c. liquid (water and a little juice from seafood)
2 c. cut okra
2 c. peeled and cubed tomatoes
1 lg. onion, chopped
1 sm. green pepper, chopped
1 tsp. Tabasco pepper sauce
1/8 tsp. thyme
1 bay leaf
2 c. shrimp, crab meat, oysters, or a combination
3 c. hot cooked rice

Melt butter in saucepan. Blend in flour and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until dark brown. Add liquid, okra, tomatoes, onion, pepper, Tabasco sauce, thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add seafood and cook 10-15 minutes longer. Remove bay leaf. Serve in soup bowls with mound of hot rice in center. Serves 6.

Fresh, frozen or canned may be used.

Fresh or canned may be used.