[lspencer534]

2 pounds medium shrimp - peeled and deveined

I-2 links smoked sausage (sliced)

salt and pepper to taste

1 tsp each cayenne pepper, basil, 1/2 tsp each of oregano and thyme (and anything else you like)

1/2 cup olive oil

2 pounds chopped okra

1 small can of tomato paste

1 tomato, chopped
•
1 cup chopped onion
•
4 cloves garlic, minced
•
1/2 cup chopped celery
•
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
•
6 cups water (more or less depending on the consistency you like)
•
1/2 cup chopped green onions

Directions

1.Season the shrimp and sausage with salt, pepper, cayenne, and other spices to and set aside. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the okra and saute for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste, tomato, onion, garlic, celery and green bell pepper and saute for 15 more minutes. (Remember: Sauteeing tomatoes requires that you do not scorch them. Stay at the stove and stir them.)

2.Add the water and bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer for 20 more minutes. Finally, add the green onion to the soup and stir thoroughly.

Serve over rice with your favorite bread and butter. Add file on top or Tabasco, but remember that the cayenne you added is hot.