Louisiana Shrimp and Eggs Gumbo

INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 4 cups hot water
• 2 cups chopped celery
• 1 bunch green onions, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 large tomato, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 pounds shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 8 hard-cooked eggs
• 1 cup okra
• salt to taste
• ground black pepper to taste
• 1/4 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• 3 cups cooked white rice