Pasta Gumbo

Serves 6

8 oz. Ditalini, Orzo or other small pasta shape, uncooked
2 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup chopped onions
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 28-oz. can stewed tomatoes
4 cups water
2 cups clam juice
1 tsp. dried oregano leaves
2 bay leaves
dash Tabasco sauce
1 10-oz. package frozen baby okra, sliced
1 pint shucked oysters, drained
1 lb. shrimp, shelled and cleaned
1 7 3/4-oz. can crab meat, boned and drained
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional:
1 pint shucked oysters, drained
1/2 lb. kielbasa sausage, sliced on diagonal
1/2 lb. chicken breast, shredded

In a large pot, sauté garlic and onions in butter until golden. Add tomatoes, water, clam juice, salt, oregano, bay leaves and Tabasco. Simmer, covered, for 40 minutes. Remove bay leaves. Bring to a boil, gradually add pasta, then okra. Cook covered 15 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in shrimp, crab meat and any optional ingredients. Cook 5 minutes longer before serving.