My current favorite Soup!

I've had some blog ideas in my head, but my camera is having some problems with the batteries dying too frequently. I don't like to blog without some sort of photo, so I haven't been blogging as frequently as I'd like. Until I get new batteries, I thought I'd share a wonderful soup recipe with you. I have made this soup several times in the past few weeks. It is just soo flavorful and soo healthy! You will love it, I'm positive!!

Black Eye Pea Gumbo

1/3 cup oil

1/3 cup AP flour (I've used both white & wheat..both do fine)

1-2T oil

1& 1/2 cps. sliced okra (I usually just put the whole frozen bag full)

1 c chopped onion

3/4 c. chopped celery

3 garlic cloves, minced

4 cps. water

14.5 oz can diced tomatoes

1/3 c. chopped fresh parsley (I have always used dried)

2 tps. salt

1/2 tp. dried thyme leaves

1/8 tp cayenne pepper

1/8 tp pepper

2 bay leaves (I have made it twice w/o the leaves)

1/2 lbs. cubed cooked ham (I usually leave this out since we do meatless)

15 oz can black eyed peas (or whole frozen bag full)

1 tp liquid crab boil

Directions

Heat 1/3 cp. oil in small saucepan over med. low heat until hot. Using wire whisk, stir in flour. Cook 5-7 mins. or until golden brown, stirring constantly. Set aside. Heat 1-2 T oil in heavy saucepan over med heat until hot. Add onions, celery, & garlic; cook 8-10 mins or until tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour mixture until well blended. Add okra, water, tomatoes, parsley, salt, thyme, pepper, crabboil, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 20 mins. Add cubed pork; cook an additional 15-20 mins. Stir in black eyed peas; cook until thoroughly heated (if you are using frozen, you will have to cook peas about 30 mins or so). Remove bay leaves.

Mmmm...Mmmm... good