Big Ed's Cajun Shrimp Soup

1 tablespoon butter

1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper

1/4 cup sliced green onions

1 clove garlic, minced

3 cups tomato-vegetable juice cocktail

1 (8 ounce) bottle clam juice

1/2 cup water

1/4 teaspoon dried thyme

1/4 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1 bay leaf

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup uncooked long-grain white rice

3/4 pound fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined

hot pepper sauce to taste

What You Need