Florida Gulf Shrimp and Okra Gumbo

INGREDIENTS:
2 pounds medium Florida Gulf shrimp,
peeled and de-veined
½ cup olive oil
2 pounds chopped Florida okra
1 Tbsp. tomato paste
1 Florida tomato, chopped
1 cup chopped onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup chopped Florida celery
½ cup chopped green Florida bell pepper
6 cups water or low-sodium vegetable stock
½ cup chopped green onions
Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Cayenne pepper, to taste

Season the shrimp with salt, pepper and cayenne, to taste, and set aside. Heat the oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the okra and sauté for about 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the tomato paste, tomato, onion, garlic, celery and green bell pepper. Sauté for 15 more minutes. Add the water or stock and season to taste. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer for 45 minutes. Add the shrimp and simmer for 6 more minutes. Finally, add the green onion to the soup and stir thoroughly. Serve with rice.