Chicken Gumbo

Name: Chicken Gumbo
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: 48 servings (1 cup each).
Ingredients: 6 celery ribs, chopped; 3 medium green peppers, chopped; 3 medium onions, chopped; 3/4 cup butter, cubed; 10 quarts chicken broth; 7 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained; 3 bay leaves; 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley; 1 tablespoon pepper; 2 to 3 tablespoons garlic powder; 2 teaspoons salt; 2 cups uncooked long grain rice; 10 cups cubed cooked chicken; 6 cups cubed fully cooked ham; 1 package (16 ounces) frozen chopped okra; 2 pounds cooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined, optional

This fresh-tasting, flavorful main dish is well-received when I cook it for church suppers. It's a colorful mixture of traditional ingredients.—Willa Govoro, St. Clair, Missouri

Ingredients

6 celery ribs, chopped
3 medium green peppers, chopped
3 medium onions, chopped
3/4 cup butter, cubed
10 quarts chicken broth
7 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 bay leaves
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1 tablespoon pepper
2 to 3 tablespoons garlic powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 cups uncooked long grain rice
10 cups cubed cooked chicken
6 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 package (16 ounces) frozen chopped okra
2 pounds cooked small shrimp, peeled and deveined, optional

Directions

In several large stock pots, saute celery, green peppers and onions in butter until tender. Add the next seven ingredients; bring to a boil. Stir in rice. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until rice is tender.
Stir in the chicken, ham, okra and shrimp if desired. Simmer for 8-10 minutes or until shrimp turn pink and okra is tender. Discard bay leaves.