Vegan Jambalaya

Flavorful vegan jambalaya made in one pot. Moreover, it’s packed with vegetables, plant protein, and bold Cajun spices for easy comfort food.

🥣 Ingredients (Serves 4)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup tomatoes, crushed or diced
  • 1 cup long-grain rice
  • 2½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup cooked kidney beans or chickpeas
  • 1 cup vegan sausage, sliced (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Spring onions or parsley for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

  1. First, heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Next, sauté onion, bell pepper, and celery until softened.
  3. Then, add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. After that, stir in tomatoes, rice, vegetable broth, beans, and spices.
  5. Meanwhile, mix everything well and bring to a gentle boil.
  6. Once boiling, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
  7. Finally, fluff the rice, garnish, and serve hot.

💡 Tips for Best Results

  • To begin with, rinse rice well for fluffy texture
  • Additionally, use smoked paprika for authentic depth
  • However, avoid stirring too often to prevent mushy rice
  • For extra heat, add cayenne or hot sauce at the end

🔄 Variations

  • For protein-rich jambalaya, add tofu or tempeh
  • If you prefer low-carb, use cauliflower rice
  • Alternatively, add okra for traditional Southern flavor
  • Similarly, swap beans with lentils or black-eyed peas

🌱 Health Benefits

  • Firstly, this dish is rich in plant-based protein and fiber
  • Secondly, vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals
  • Moreover, spices boost metabolism and flavor naturally
  • Therefore, vegan jambalaya supports heart health and digestion

🧒 Kid-Friendly Version

  • To make it milder, reduce Cajun seasoning
  • Instead of spicy sausage, use plain vegan sausage or beans
  • Additionally, cut vegetables into small, soft pieces
  • Finally, serve with avocado or dairy-free yogurt on the side

🧮 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approx.)

  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Protein: 11 g
  • Fiber: 9 g
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Sodium: Moderate