This Vegan Jambalaya is a hearty and flavorful dish made with brown rice, a variety of beans, and aromatic vegetables like onions, garlic, peppers, and celery. Spiced with Cajun flavors and a dash of Tabasco sauce, this plant-based jambalaya is filling, satisfying, and completely vegan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is easy to make, using simple pantry staples to create a rich and comforting meal. It’s also a versatile dish that can be adjusted to suit your preferences!

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

• 1 onion, diced

• 2 stalks celery, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 green bell pepper, diced

• 1/2 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 can (400 grams / 14 oz) crushed tomatoes

• 4 cups (1 liter) vegetable stock

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika

• ½ teaspoon smoky paprika

• ½ teaspoon dried cayenne pepper

• 2 bay leaves

• 2 tablespoons Tabasco sauce (adjust to taste)

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce

• Pepper, to taste

• 2 cups (400 grams) uncooked brown rice

• 3 cups (500 grams) mixed beans (e.g., chickpeas, white beans, kidney beans)

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

• ¼ cup fresh chopped parsley

• 1 green onion, chopped (optional)

Directions

1. Sauté the vegetables: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add a splash of water (or 1 tablespoon oil) and sauté the onion and garlic until soft. Add the celery and bell peppers, sautéing for a few more minutes until just softened.

2. Add the liquids and spices: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, vegetable stock, oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, cayenne, bay leaves, Tabasco sauce, and soy sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.

3. Cook the rice: Add the rice to the pan, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan and simmer for 30-40 minutes, or until the rice is cooked and the liquid has been absorbed. Stir occasionally to prevent the rice from sticking.

4. Stir in the beans: Once the rice is tender, stir in the mixed beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it cook for another minute or so to heat the beans through.

5. Garnish and serve: Serve the jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped parsley and green onions. Add extra Tabasco sauce on the side for those who prefer a spicier kick.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 641 kcal

• Total Fat: 6 g

  • Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 0 mg

• Sodium: 3090 mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 124 g

  • Dietary Fiber: 28 g

  • Sugars: 29 g

• Protein: 33 g

• Vitamin A: 8% of daily value

• Vitamin C: 50% of daily value

• Calcium: 6% of daily value

• Iron: 15% of daily value

Why Vegan Jambalaya Is a Great Plant-Based Meal

Vegan Jambalaya is an excellent option for anyone looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into their diet, whether you’re a long-time vegan or just trying to eat more plant-based foods. It’s packed with whole grains, vegetables, and legumes, making it a nutritious, filling meal that provides a wide range of essential nutrients. Brown rice, the base of this dish, is a whole grain that offers more fiber and nutrients compared to white rice. It is an excellent source of complex carbohydrates, which provide long-lasting energy and promote healthy digestion.

The addition of mixed beans in the jambalaya increases the protein content, making this dish not only filling but also an excellent source of plant-based protein. Beans are rich in fiber, iron, and folate, and they help stabilize blood sugar levels while providing a steady source of energy throughout the day. This makes Vegan Jambalaya an ideal meal for sustaining energy, especially for those who lead active lifestyles or are looking to reduce their meat consumption.

Vegetables like onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic are integral to the flavor profile of jambalaya. These vegetables not only add depth to the dish but also provide vitamins and minerals essential for maintaining overall health. The garlic adds an aromatic punch while the bell peppers and celery bring brightness and crunch. The seasoning mix, which includes herbs like thyme and oregano along with paprika and cayenne, gives the dish its signature bold flavor, making it irresistible even to non-vegans.

The Health Benefits of Vegan Jambalaya

Vegan Jambalaya is a health-conscious dish that provides a variety of essential nutrients. One of the standout health benefits of this recipe is its high fiber content. Fiber is crucial for digestive health as it promotes regular bowel movements, helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels, and supports a healthy gut microbiome. The combination of brown rice, beans, and vegetables ensures that each serving is packed with fiber, helping to keep you full for longer and providing sustained energy throughout the day.

Beans are also an excellent source of plant-based protein, making them a key component of a vegan diet. Protein is essential for muscle repair, immune function, and the production of enzymes and hormones. The protein in this dish also helps balance blood sugar levels and supports a feeling of fullness, which can be beneficial for those trying to manage their weight.

The vegetables used in this dish contribute a wide range of vitamins and minerals. For example, bell peppers are high in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and aids in collagen production for healthy skin. Celery provides potassium, an essential mineral that helps regulate blood pressure and supports proper muscle and nerve function. Garlic is known for its immune-boosting properties, and its antioxidant content helps protect the body from oxidative stress. The herbs and spices used in this dish, including paprika, thyme, and oregano, are also rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties, making this a truly nourishing meal.

The Flavor Profile of Vegan Jambalaya

Vegan Jambalaya boasts a bold, spicy, and smoky flavor profile that is characteristic of Creole and Cajun cooking. The combination of paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme creates a warm, aromatic base that complements the natural sweetness of the vegetables. The addition of Tabasco sauce adds a tangy heat that brings the dish to life, while the soy sauce adds a depth of umami that enhances the overall flavor. The slight smokiness from the paprika and cayenne pepper adds a layer of complexity to the dish, making each bite satisfying and flavorful.

The beans add a creamy texture and absorb the flavors of the broth, making each spoonful rich and satisfying. The brown rice, with its nutty flavor and hearty texture, serves as the perfect base for soaking up the delicious spices and seasonings. The bell peppers, onions, and celery provide a savory, aromatic foundation that pairs perfectly with the earthy flavors of the beans and rice. The result is a harmonious combination of flavors that is both comforting and energizing.

To balance the richness of the dish, a garnish of fresh parsley adds a touch of freshness and color, while the optional green onions provide a slight crunch and a mild onion flavor. If you prefer a spicier dish, you can always add more Tabasco sauce or a dash of hot sauce to amp up the heat, making this dish customizable to suit your taste preferences.

How to Customize Vegan Jambalaya

One of the great things about Vegan Jambalaya is its versatility. The base recipe is easily adaptable, allowing you to modify it based on your dietary preferences or what ingredients you have on hand. If you prefer a different type of rice, you can substitute brown rice with quinoa, wild rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lower-carb version. These substitutions will offer a different texture and flavor while maintaining the heartiness of the dish.

If you’re not a fan of certain vegetables, you can easily swap them out or add others. For example, you could use zucchini or eggplant instead of celery, or add mushrooms for an extra meaty texture. You can also experiment with other beans, such as black beans or pinto beans, to change the flavor profile of the dish. For those who enjoy more texture, you can also incorporate some diced tomatoes or bell peppers into the recipe to give it extra bite and color.

For those who want to add some extra protein, you could incorporate vegan sausage or tempeh into the dish. Simply sauté the vegan sausage or crumble tempeh before adding it to the jambalaya mixture. This will give the dish a more traditional jambalaya feel and add a bit of texture to complement the beans and rice.

How to Serve Vegan Jambalaya

Vegan Jambalaya is a satisfying one-pot meal that can be served on its own or paired with a variety of sides. For a well-rounded meal, consider serving it alongside a light salad or some roasted vegetables. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, savory jambalaya.

If you want to make the dish even more filling, consider pairing it with cornbread or crusty bread to soak up any leftover juices. A slice of avocado or a dollop of vegan sour cream on top can also add a creamy element that complements the spiciness of the jambalaya. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a side of hot sauce or pickled jalapeños can enhance the flavor and give the dish an extra kick.

This dish can also be served as a meal prep option, as it stores well in the refrigerator for several days. It can also be frozen for longer storage, making it a great make-ahead meal that can be easily reheated when needed. Whether you enjoy it fresh or from the freezer, Vegan Jambalaya is a delicious and satisfying option that is sure to please.

Conclusion

Vegan Jambalaya is a flavorful, hearty, and nutritious dish that brings together the best of Cajun and Creole cooking in a plant-based form. With its bold spices, savory vegetables, and satisfying beans and rice, this dish is perfect for those looking for a filling, low-carb, and vegan-friendly meal. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a light lunch.

The health benefits of this dish are undeniable, thanks to the abundance of fiber, vitamins, and plant-based protein from the beans, rice, and vegetables. The Cajun spices and Tabasco sauce provide the perfect balance of heat and flavor, while the simple, accessible ingredients make it a dish that anyone can enjoy. Whether you’re a vegan, vegetarian, or simply looking to try something new, Vegan Jambalaya is a comforting and satisfying meal that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.