Shrimp and Fall Greens Gumbo

One of my all time favorite soups!

Serving Size  : 4    

12         ounces  clam juice
1           pound  shrimp — small, reserve shells
1           tablespoon  butter
1           cup  onion — chopped
1           cup  green pepper — diced
1           tablespoon  garlic — chopped
1           cup  tomatoes — seeded, diced
2           large  bay leaf
1           tablespoon  dried thyme
1/2       teaspoon  Tabasco sauce
1/2       bunch  kale — chopped coarsely
1/2       bunch  scallions — dia. slices
1 1/2    tablespoons  file powder

1)  Boil water, reserved shrimp shells and clam juice for 15 minutes. strain and reserve stock.

2)  Sauté onions, peppers and garlic in butter for 2 until tender, add tomatoes, bay leaves, thyme, tabasco and reserved stock. bring to a boil. reduce heat, simmer 15 minutes.

3)  Add greens to soup, simmer until greens are bright green, about 3 minutes. add shrimp, simmer 1 more minute. turn off heat, add file powder, season w/ salt and pepper and tabasco.

4)  Serve with scallion garnish