Classic Chicken Gumbo Soup

Description
Makes 6 servings.

Ingredients

 * 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
 * 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
 * 2 medium onions, finely chopped
 * 1 green bell pepper, finely chopped
 * 6 cups chicken broth
 * 8 tomatoes, chopped
 * ½ pound okra, cut into ¼-inch pieces (2½ cups)
 * 2 ribs celery, chopped
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
 * ½ teaspoon dried thyme
 * 1 bay leaf
 * 1 chicken, cooked, skinned, boned and cut into bite-size pieces (about 3 cups)
 * 1 cup uncooked rice

Directions

 * 1) Heat oil in large dutch oven over low heat until hot.
 * 2) Add flour; stir about 15 minutes or until brown, being careful not to burn.
 * 3) Add onions and green pepper; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until onions are tender.
 * 4) Slowly add broth; stir until broth boils.
 * 5) Add tomatoes, okra, celery, salt, black pepper, thyme and bay leaf; bring to a boil over high heat.
 * 6) Add chicken and rice.
 * 7) Return to a boil.
 * 8) Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 20 minutes.
 * 9) Stir; cover and simmer 20 minutes more.
 * 10) Remove bay leaf.
 * 11) Serve immediately.