Ingredients:

  Amount  Measure       Ingredient -- Preparation Method
--------  ------------  --------------------------------
  1              slice  ham cut into small pieces -- (1/2 lb.)
  2                lb.  okra -- cut in 3/4 inch
               pieces.  
  1 1/2           cups  chopped onion
  2             stalks  celery with leaves -- chopped
     1/2                chopped green pepper with seed and
                        membrane removed
  2             cloves  garlic -- minced
  1              sprig  fresh thyme or 1/3 tsp. dried thyme
  1                     bay leaf
  1 1/2           cups  canned tomatoes
  6               cups  water
  2                lb.  fresh shrimp
  2              Tbsp.  chopped parsley
                        Boiled rice

Preparation:

Sauté ham lightly in skillet. Sauté okra slowly in ham drippings for 10 minutes (if you use canned okra, omit the sautéing). Add onion and sauté for 2 minutes. Add celery, green pepper, garlic, thyme, bay leaf, tomatoes and water. If a thick gumbo is desired, use less water. Shell and remove veins from shrimp. Let soup boil then reduce heat. Add ham, shrimp and parsley. Simmer for 30 minutes. Serve with boiled rice.

Nutritional Information:

301 Calories (kcal); 2g Total Fat; (5% calories from fat); 16g Protein; 61g Carbohydrate; 18mg Cholesterol; 688mg Sodium