I’m excited to try this new vegan jambalaya recipe. The traditional version has a lot of meat but this one uses vegetables instead, like corn, peppers, and beans.
It still sounds really hearty and flavorful. I like exploring different cultures through food, and Louisiana has such cool cooking. I will now share this recipe so you can also enjoy this meal.
Ingredients
Here’s what you need to make our spicy vegan jambalaya with okra and tomatoes:
- Olive oil: For cooking the vegetables.
- Onion and garlic: Basic ingredients for flavor.
- Bell peppers and celery: Essential for any jambalaya.
- Fresh okra: Adds texture to the dish.
- Spices: Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and thyme for the heat and flavor.
- Tomatoes: Use diced tomatoes, ideally fire-roasted for a deeper flavor.
- Vegan sausage: Pick a brand that you like; it should hold up well in cooking.
- Rice: Long-grain rice is traditional and works best.
- Vegetable broth: Used to cook the rice.
- Red beans: Adds protein; canned for convenience.
- Salt and pepper: For seasoning.
Instructions
Follow these steps to make the jambalaya:
- Cook vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions, minced garlic, chopped bell peppers, and celery. Cook until soft.
- Add sausage and spices: Put in the sliced vegan sausage along with the Cajun seasoning, cayenne, paprika, and thyme. Cook until the sausage is slightly browned.
- Add rice and tomatoes: Put in the rice and diced tomatoes and stir so the rice gets coated with all the flavors.
- Cook: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and let it cook until the rice is tender, about 20-25 minutes.
- Add beans and okra: Mix in the red beans and sliced okra. Keep simmering until the okra is soft and the beans are warm.
- Season: Check the taste and add more salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish: Serve once everything is well-cooked and the flavors have blended.
What to Serve with Jambalaya?
Jambalaya is filling enough on its own but can be paired with a few simple sides:
- Cornbread: A slice of plain cornbread goes well with the meal, and even cornmeal.
- Greens: A side of steamed collard greens or a basic salad with a simple dressing works well.
- Coleslaw: A plain coleslaw can add a fresh element to your meal.
- Fried green tomatoes: These add a nice crunch to the meal. These options keep the meal interesting and add different textures and flavors without being overly complex.
Hi there, I’m Sophie, 35, and I love to cook and experiment with new recipes. It’s my secret sauce for keeping my hubby and three kiddos smiling and our home filled with joy. Cooking is my way of saying, “I love you,” and seeing my family happy and healthy is the best reward.
