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
 * 1/2 pound okra, cut into 1/4-inch pieces (2-1/2 cups)
 * 2 ribs celery, chopped
 * 1 teaspoon salt
 * 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
 * 1/2 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
Heat oil in large Dutch oven over low heat until hot. Add flour; stir about 15 minutes or until brown, being careful not to burn. Add onions and green pepper; cook and stir about 5 minutes or until onions are tender. Slowly add broth; stir until broth boils. Add tomatoes, okra, celery, salt, black pepper, thyme and bay leaf; bring to a boil over high heat. Add chicken and rice. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 20 minutes. Stir; cover and simmer 20 minutes more. Remove bay leaf. Serve immediately.