Easy One Pot Fresh Fish Gumbo

2 Tbsp peanut oil
1 onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) vegetable broth
1 can (10.5 oz) whole corn kernels, drained
2 bay leaves
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1 can (14 oz) sliced okra, drained
1 lb fish filets (firm white fish), cut into 2 inch pieces
salt and pepper to taste
dashes of hot sauce if desired
cooked rice for serving if desired

Put oil in a large pot over medium heat, add the onion, green bell pepper, and celery, cooking until vegetables soften slightly.

Add garlic and cook just until fragrant; do not allow garlic to brown (30 seconds is enough time).

Add diced tomatoes, broth, corn, bay leaves, thyme, and cayenne pepper; bring to a boil, turn heat to low, cover pot and simmer gently for 10 minutes.

Add okra and fish pieces and let simmer uncovered (so you can keep an eye on it) for 5 minutes more, then remove from heat, cover pot and let sit for 5 minutes.

Taste and add salt and pepper as needed. Add hot sauce as you like. Scoop a spoonful of hot cooked rice on top of each serving if desired.  Serves 4 to 6.