Shrimp Creole

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups chopped onions
• 1 cup chopped green bell peppers
• 1 cup chopped celery
• 4 cups peeled, seeded, and chopped plum tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
• Salt and cayenne
• 1 cup water
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons flour mixed with 1/4 cup cold water
• Essence
• 6 cups cooked white rice
• 1/2 cup chopped green onions
• 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 tablespoons garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme