1/2 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 large onion, finely chopped

1 bell pepper, finely chopped

2 celery stalks, finely chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

6 cups seafood stock or chicken stock

1 bay leaf

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

1 teaspoon thyme

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)

2 cups okra, sliced

1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 lb crab meat (preferably lump crab)

1/2 lb oysters (optional)

2 tablespoons parsley, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

Cooked white rice, for serving