Description
A hearty and flavorful Vegetable Jambalaya with Rice, featuring a vibrant mix of bell peppers, celery, okra, kidney beans, and corn, all simmered in a spicy tomato and vegetable broth base. This vegan Cajun Creole dish is perfect as a comforting main course, combining aromatic spices and fresh herbs for an authentic taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
- ½ cup frozen corn
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Grains and Legumes
- 1 cup long-grain white rice, uncooked
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
- Heat Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and celery; cook for 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add tomato paste, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, dried thyme, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the spices.
- Combine Rice and Liquids: Add the uncooked rice, diced tomatoes with their juices, and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer Rice: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Add Remaining Vegetables: Stir in the sliced okra, drained kidney beans, and frozen corn. Cover again and cook for an additional 5 minutes until heated through.
- Finish and Garnish: Remove the pot from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes. Fluff the jambalaya with a fork, then garnish with sliced green onions and chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the amount of Cajun seasoning to suit your taste.
- You can substitute brown rice for white rice; however, this will require additional liquid and a longer cooking time.
