Myrtle'S Shrimp Gumbo - cooking recipe

Ingredients

1 lb. shrimp, shucked and cleaned
1/2 c. oil or Crisco
2 onions, chopped
1 c. celery, chopped
2 Tbsp. chopped garlic
1 lb. fresh okra, sliced
1 Tbsp. paprika
1 to 2 Tbsp. gumbo file
1 (15 oz.) can tomatoes
1 1/2 qt. chicken stock
salt, black pepper and red pepper to taste
1 bay leaf

Preparation

Combine oil, onions, celery, garlic, paprika and okra in heavy pot.
Cook slowly until limp.
Add next gumbo file to heat a minute or two to impart flavor and prevent \"ropiness\".
Add to pot, cover and let simmer 15 minutes or longer.
Can tomatoes, chicken stock (may use cubes), salt and red and black pepper.
Add shrimp to cook no longer than 10 minutes.