Creole Seafood Gumbo

Ingredients

1/4 cup organic butter 
1 small green bell pepper (chopped)
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce
2 cups liquid (like water or seafood juice)
1/8 teaspoon thyme
2 cups cut okra
1 bay leaf
2 cups peeled and cubed tomatoes
2 cups shrimp or crabmeat (or an oyster combo)
1 large onion (chopped)
3 cups hot cooked brown rice

Instructions

1) Melt the butter in a large saucepan.

2) Blend in the flour and cook over low heat, making sure to constantly stir until the mixture turns dark brown.

3) Add the liquid, okra, tomatoes, onion, pepper, Tabasco, thyme and bay leaf to the mixture.

4) Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Make sure to frequently stir.

5) Add the seafood and cook the ingredients covered for 10 to 15 minutes longer.

6) Remove the bay leaf and serve in soup bowls.