Step 1

a heavy pot on a burner and heat the oil.

Step 2

okra to the pot and cook on medium/low heat, occasionally stirring, being careful not to burn okra.

Step 3

until okra is no longer slimy and browned, which takes about a half hour to an hour; add a small amount of water if okra begins to stick to the pot.

Step 4

onions, bell peppers, celery, and tomatoes, and cook for 20 minutes or more until vegetables are soft and browned some more; again, add a small amount of water if vegetables begin to stick to the pot.

Step 5

in garlic and let simmer for a few more minutes.

Step 6

with salt and red cayenne pepper.

Step 7

shrimp into smothered okra and cook, often stirring, for 5 minutes on low heat.

Step 8

chicken broth and water and simmer on low heat for 20 minutes.

Step 9

small amounts of water if needed to adjust the thickness of the gumbo.

Step 10

to adjust seasoning and add kitchen bouquet as a browning agent if gumbo is not brown enough.

Step 11

hot over cooked rice.