SMOKED SAUSAGE GUMBO

Steps:

• Bring 2 cups water toa boil in med. sausepan over high heat.
• Meanwhile cut sausage in half lengthwise, then crosswise into 1/2 inch slices.
• Stir rice into boiling water.
• Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 18 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
• While rice is cooking, place sausage, onion, bell pepper, celery, carrot, oregano, thyme and ground red pepper in large microwavable container.
• Cover and cook on HIGH 5 minutes; stir.
• Cook 3 minutes more or until vegetables are crisp-tender.
• While vegetable mixture is cooking, prepare roux.
• Sprinkle flour evenly over bottom of dutch oven.
• Cook over high heat without stirring, 3 to 4 minutes or until flour begins to brown.
• Reduce heat to medium and stir flour about 4 minutes or until evenly browned.
• Stir in oil until smooth. (Roux will be thick and chocolate brown).
• Carefully pour vegetable mixture into dutch oven and stir until coated with roux.
• Stir in tomatoes and broth; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Cover and simmer over medium heat 5 minutes.
• Serve gumbo over rice in individual bowls.