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Vegan Jambalaya

Vegan jambalaya is a hearty one-pot dish that captures the smoky richness of traditional Cajun cuisine without any meat or seafood. Layered with caramelized vegetables, smoked paprika, and spicy vegan sausage, it develops a thick, flavorful rice that’s both comforting and visually vibrant. The final dish has a slightly smoky, spicy aroma with tender vegetables and fluffy rice, perfect for a satisfying plant-based meal.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 large bell pepper diced, any color
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup diced tomatoes canned
  • 2 cups vegetable broth rich, flavorful
  • 1 cup long-grain rice rinsed
  • 2 links vegan sausage sliced
  • 1 cup okra sliced thin
  • 2 tablespoons oil olive or vegetable

Equipment

  • Deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Stirring spoon
  • Measuring cups
  • Sharp Knife
  • Lid

Method
 

  1. Heat a deep skillet over medium heat and add the oil. Swirl to coat the bottom evenly.
  2. Add diced onion, bell pepper, and celery to the skillet. Sauté for about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft and fragrant with a slight caramelization around the edges.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and smoked paprika. Cook for 30 seconds until the mixture becomes fragrant and smoky, avoiding burning the garlic.
  4. Add the canned diced tomatoes and vegetable broth to the skillet. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the liquid to slightly reduce.
  5. Stir in the sliced vegan sausage and sliced okra. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the okra begins to soften and release some of its characteristic slime, adding thickness to the dish.
  6. Pour in the rinsed rice and stir well to coat the grains with the flavorful mixture. Spread the rice evenly across the skillet.
  7. Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Let simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, avoiding lifting the lid too often so the rice can absorb the flavors and cook through.
  8. Check the rice for doneness; it should be tender and fluffy, with a slight translucence. If needed, add a splash more broth and cook a few minutes longer.
  9. Remove the skillet from heat and let it rest, covered, for about 5 minutes. This helps the flavors settle and the rice to finish absorbing any remaining moisture.
  10. Gently fluff the jambalaya with a fork, then serve hot, garnished with chopped herbs or a squeeze of lemon if desired. Enjoy the smoky, hearty flavors in every bite!