Ingredients

• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 1 large green pepper, chopped
• 2 celery ribs, chopped
• 1/4 cup butter (or bacon drippings, if you have them)
• 2 tablespoons minced parsley
• 1/2 lb cubed ham (preferably Cure 81 or other cured ham)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• 2 large bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 (16 ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2 cups cold water
• 2 cups converted rice (raw)
• 1 1/2 lbs fresh shrimp or 1 1/2 lbs frozen raw shrimp, shelled and deveined