Cajun Seafood Gumbo

Ingredients

• 2 cups white rice, cooked
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 3 tablespoons shortening
• 1 cup celery, diced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 large bell pepper, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
• 1 quart water
• 1 quart chicken broth
• 1 (8 ounce) can clam chowder
• 1 bay leaf
• 5/8 teaspoon thyme
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 lb link sausage, sliced
• 1 (12 ounce) package perch fillets, frozen, cut in squares
• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen okra
• 1 lb shrimp, cooked
• 2 sprigs parsley (optional)

Directions

1. 1

   Prepare rice according to package directions.

2. 2

   Make roux by browning flour in melted shortening.

3. 3

   Add celery, onions and bell pepper and cook slowly until onion is clear.

4. 4

   Add other ingredients with exception of shrimp and parsley.

5. 5

   Simmer for at least 1 hour.

6. 6

   Add shrimp about 10 minutes before serving.

7. 7

   Just before serving add parsley.

8. 8

   Serve over hot cooked rice.