Recipe - Gumbana

2 pound Okra; washed, stemmed, and
; cut into 1/4" rounds
One fourth cup Vegetable oil
Emeril's Essence; see * Note
2 cup Peeled; seeded, chopped
tomatoes
1 cup Chopped onions
1 cup Chopped celery
Salt; to taste
Cayenne pepper; to taste
5 Bay leaves
One half teaspoon Dried thyme leaves
1 tablespoon Minced garlic
8 cup Water
2 pound Medium shrimp; peeled and
deveined
2 cup Cooked white rice; warm
2 tablespoon Chopped green onions

* Note: See the "Emeril's Essence Information" recipe which is included in
this collection.

In a large pot, heat the oil. Fry the okra, stirring constantly, for 10 to
12 minutes or until most of the slime disappears. Season with Emeril's
Essence. Add the tomatoes, onions, and celery, stirring occasionally, cook
for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are wilted. Season with salt
and cayenne. Add the bay leaves, thyme, garlic and water. Stir and bring to
a boil. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 15 minutes. Add the shrimp and cook
for 30 minutes. Serve with rice and garnish with green onions and Emeril's
Essence. This recipe yields 6