Crab Gumbo

Directions

1. 1
   In
2. 2
   heavy 8 quart pot make a caramel colored brown roux using 1/2 cup cooking oil and 1/2 cup flour.
3. 3
   Add to the roux, cooking until limp the onion, celery, bell pepper, garlic and parsley. Add
4. 4
   6 cups water, can of tomatoes, okra (optional), salt,
5. 5
   black pepper, crushed red pepper, bay leaves and thyme. Simmer for about
6. 6
   1
7. 7
   hour.
8. 8
   If it becomes too thick, add more water.
9. 9
   After 1 hour add 1 pound shrimp, crab meat and oysters (optional).
10. 10
    Simmer 30
11. 11
    minutes
12. 12
    longer.
13. 13
    Add
14. 14
    gumbo file (to taste).
15. 15
    Simmer 10 minutes more.
16. 16
    Serve over rice.