shrimp gumbo

This recipe was my mother's, who made this after living in Louisiana twice. It is tomato based, not brown rue based as other gumbos I have eaten in New Orleans, so I'm not sure if this is her take on gumbo or another style of gumbo. But its great.

• 1 16oz bag of frozen cut okra
• 3 large onions
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon bacon fat or butter
• 1 bay leaf
• salt and pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (or more to taste)
  
• 1 lb stewed tomatoes
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• 2 c water
• 2 lbs frozen shrimp (or 3 cans chicken or leave this out for vegetarian style)

1. Combine all ingredients except shrimp (or chicken). Simmer 30 minutes over low heat.
2. Add shrimp or chicken. Simmer another 15 minutes.
   
3. Serve over rice. Makes 6 servings.