Recipe: Gumbo Soup (no meat, low calorie)

GUMBO SOUP
lowcal - no meat

12 cups water
6 tsp vegetable bouillon granules
4 tomatoes, fresh or 1-lb can
1/2 cup corn, fresh or canned
1 celery rib, diced
1 onion, diced
1/2 cup okra, cut
1/4 cup uncooked rice, white or brown*
1/8 tsp Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 cup shredded cabbage (optional)

Place all ingredients in a large pot, bring to boil, cover and simmer about 20 minutes until all vegetables are done.

This is a thin soup, I sometimes add shredded cabbage, chard, bok choy, or other green vegetable to it. The greens make it thicker and more filling, but add few calories. This doesn't resemble the real Cajun Gumbo, but is good for those days when you feel you've over-indulged and need to cut back. I keep in it the fridge and use it as a snack when I just have to have something else. You can also add herbs, hot pepper, it is very versatile, and a good starting recipe.

*NOTE from the source: "I use Uncle Ben's Converted Rice as it seems to hold its shape better in long cooking periods. Any rice will work if this soup is not reheated several times, but it usually is!"

Makes 12 servings
Source: A. Broaddus - Houston, 5/16/93