Pasta Gumbo
Serves 6

8 oz. Ditalini, Orzo or other small pasta shape, uncooked
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 28-oz. can stewed tomatoes
4 cups water
2 cups clam juice
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 bay leaves
dash Tabasco sauce
1 10-oz. package frozen baby okra, sliced
1 pint shucked oysters, drained
1 lb. shrimp, shelled and cleaned
1 7 3/4-oz. can crab meat, boned and drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
1 pint shucked oysters, drained
1/2 lb. kielbasa sausage, sliced on diagonal
1/2 lb. chicken breast, shredded


In a large pot, sauté garlic and onions
in butter until golden. Add tomatoes, water,
clam juice, salt, oregano, bay leaves and
Tabasco. Simmer, covered, for 40 minutes.
Remove bay leaves. Bring to a boil, gradually
add pasta, then okra. Cook covered 15 minutes
until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
Stir in shrimp, crab meat and any optional
ingredients. Cook 5 minutes longer before serving.