Step 1

Make a roux with the flour and shortening. Cook flour and shortening in a large pot over medium-high heat until the flour turns brown and begins to smell nutty.

Step 2

Add garlic and cook until golden brown. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery and cook until transparent.

Step 3

Turn heat down to low, and add shrimp and tomato sauce, simmer 10 minutes, stir in water, and blend well.

Step 4

Turn heat down to simmer and add all other ingredients except okra and oysters.

Step 5

Cook for about 30 minutes add okra, and cook until the okra turns bright green.

Step 6

Add oysters and cook 10 minutes longer. Serve in a soup bowl over steamed rice.