Jambalaya Vegan Recipe: Easy, Flavorful Plant-Based Dish

Jambalaya is a vibrant, hearty dish that originates from the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana. Traditionally packed with meat and seafood, this Creole classic is bursting with bold spices, smoky flavors, and a medley of fresh vegetables and rice.

However, this vegan jambalaya recipe reinvents the dish with plant-based goodness, without compromising the soul of the original.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting, nutritious meal that’s both wholesome and satisfying. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan, a curious foodie, or simply want to add more vegetables to your diet, this jambalaya will deliver on flavor and texture.

The combination of bell peppers, tomatoes, vegan sausage, and aromatic spices creates a colorful, mouthwatering dish that’s ideal for family dinners or meal prep.

Get ready to dive into a bowl of warming, spicy, and utterly delicious vegan jambalaya that will make you forget all about the traditional version. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and packed with nutritious ingredients that will keep you energized and happy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan jambalaya is not only flavorful and comforting, but it’s also incredibly versatile. It brings together the essence of Creole cooking with a plant-based twist that suits all diets.

• Rich, authentic flavors: The blend of spices and smoky vegan sausage mimics the traditional jambalaya taste perfectly.
• Hearty and nutritious: Loaded with vegetables, beans, and rice, it’s a balanced meal that satisfies hunger and nourishes your body.
• Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it comes together quickly for a weeknight dinner or batch cooking.
• Customizable: You can easily swap veggies or spice levels according to your preference.

Ingredients

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup cooked kidney beans or black beans
• 8 oz vegan sausage, sliced (such as smoked or spicy)
• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: hot sauce for serving

Equipment

• Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Knife and cutting board
• Can opener
• Lid for skillet or Dutch oven

Instructions

1. Prepare the vegetables: Dice the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Mince the garlic cloves. Set aside.
2. Heat the oil: In your large skillet or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil over medium heat.
3. Sauté the veggies: Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent.
4. Add the garlic and spices: Stir in the minced garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Incorporate the vegan sausage: Add the sliced vegan sausage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook for another 3-4 minutes to allow it to brown slightly and absorb flavors.
6. Mix in tomato paste and diced tomatoes: Stir in the tomato paste and canned diced tomatoes, including their juices. Let cook for 3-4 minutes to deepen the flavors.
7. Add rice, beans, broth, and water: Pour in the rice, cooked beans, vegetable broth, and water. Toss to combine all ingredients evenly.
8. Add bay leaves and simmer: Place the bay leaves on top, cover with a lid, and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently for 20-25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
9. Check and fluff: Remove the bay leaves, taste, and adjust seasonings if needed. Use a fork to fluff the rice gently.
10. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the jambalaya. Serve hot with optional hot sauce on the side for an extra kick.

Tips & Variations

For a smokier flavor, try adding a splash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika.

Use brown rice or quinoa if you want a healthier grain alternative, but adjust cooking time accordingly.

Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, or okra for added texture and nutrition.

If you prefer a spicier jambalaya, increase the cayenne pepper or add freshly chopped jalapeños.

This vegan jambalaya freezes well, making it excellent for meal prepping. Simply cool completely, portion into airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but you can pair it with a few extras to elevate the dining experience.

• Serve with a side of vegan bread to soak up the flavorful juices.
• Add a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for extra nutrients and crunch.
• Top with sliced avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream for creaminess and richness.
• Enjoy with a cold beverage like iced tea or sparkling water with lemon to balance the spices.

Conclusion

This vegan jambalaya recipe brings a taste of Louisiana’s vibrant culinary scene right to your kitchen, all while keeping it plant-based and wholesome. The medley of vegetables, smoky sausage, and perfectly seasoned rice creates a dish that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this jambalaya is a surefire way to brighten any meal with layers of flavor and comforting warmth.

With easy-to-follow instructions and flexible ingredients, it’s a fantastic recipe to keep in your repertoire for busy weeknights or weekend cooking adventures. Don’t forget to explore more delicious plant-based recipes like Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals, Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious, and Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to keep your menu exciting and nutritious.

Enjoy your culinary journey with this delightful vegan jambalaya—bon appétit!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Jambalaya Vegan Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A hearty and flavorful vegan jambalaya packed with vegetables, rice, and smoky spices. Perfect for a comforting plant-based meal.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 tablespoon olive oil”, “1 large onion, diced”, “1 green bell pepper, diced”, “2 celery stalks, diced”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 cup diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)”, “1 cup long-grain brown rice”, “2 cups vegetable broth”, “1 cup cooked kidney beans”, “1 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1 teaspoon dried thyme”, “1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper”, “Salt and black pepper to taste”, “2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)”, “Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add onion, bell pepper, and celery; saut\u00e9 until softened, about 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in garlic, smoked paprika, thyme, cayenne, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add diced tomatoes, rice, and vegetable broth; bring to a boil.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in cooked kidney beans and cook for an additional 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Adjust seasoning as needed.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “320 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “10 g”, “fatContent”: “6 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “55 g”}}