Shrimp & Sausage Gumbo

This is one of my husband's favorite dishes ever.  I really, really enjoy it too.


Shrimp and Sausage Gumbo:

l lb smoked sausage/polska kielbasa 

3 T olive oil

1-2 T flour

1 medium green bell pepper, chopped

2 medium stalks of celery, chopped

1 medium onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 cups chicken broth

1 can stewed or diced tomatoes

1 cup water

half a package frozen okra (6oz, fresh if you have it)

1 bay leaf

1/4 tsp oregano

1/4 tsp thyme

1/4 salt

1 lb raw shrimp, peeled, deveined and tails off

1 1/2 cup rice (I use brown rice)

Cook sausage in stock pot on medium high, turning frequently, until well browned. Transfer sausages to plate to cool slightly, about 10 minutes.  While sausages cool, discard all but 1 T of drippings. Add oil and heat on medium. Gradually stir flour into drippings until blended, and cook- minutes or until flour mixture(roux) is deep brown, stirring constantly.  Add green pepper, onion, celery and garlic and cook 5-6 minutes or until all vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. Return sausage to pot; stir in broth, tomatoes, water, okra, bay leaf, oregano, thyme and 1/4 tsp salt; heat to boiling on high.  Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 30 minutes to blend flavors. Add shrimp and cook 2-3 minutes until opaque. Serve on top of prepared rice.