From the deep south of Louisiana comes an exciting dish with bold and spicy flavors that’s a staple in many kitchens. I’m talking about gumbo – a hearty stew that features the holy trinity of Cajun cuisine: celery, onion, and green pepper.

What sets this vegan gumbo recipe apart is the delicious twist it gives to a traditional Cajun-style beef sausage and chicken gumbo. This plant-based version is loaded with flavor, texture, and nutrition. Bursting with succulent okra, juicy corn, tender vegetables, and fragrant spices, you won’t even miss the meat.

Whether you’re vegan or not, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to infuse their mealtime with some Southern flair. It’s perfect for serving up at family gatherings or enjoying as leftovers throughout the week.

So dust off your apron and let’s get started on whipping up a pot of Louisiana-style vegan gumbo together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Looking for a delicious and hearty meal that’s packed with flavor? Look no further than this Vegetarian Cajun Gumbo recipe! Whether you’re a longtime vegan or just someone who enjoys flavorful dishes, this gumbo recipe is sure to win you over.

What makes this recipe so special? For starters, it’s completely vegan, meaning you can enjoy all the rich flavors of gumbo without any animal products. Instead of meat, this recipe uses protein-packed ingredients like okra and kidney beans to create a satisfying and nutritious meal.

But just because it’s vegan doesn’t mean it’s lacking in flavor. On the contrary, this recipe is packed with bold cajun spices like cayenne, black pepper, and garlic cloves, creating a dish that explodes with flavor in every bite. The juicy vegetables like onions, green and red bell peppers, and celery stalks give distinguishable texture while also providing flavors that balance well with the spice.

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. You can easily swap out ingredients or adjust measurements according to your personal taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Additionally, whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this recipe can be scaled up or down as needed without sacrificing its deliciousness.

Overall, if you’re looking for a plant-based recipe that’s hearty enough to satisfy even the biggest appetite while also being healthy and delicious, then this Vegan Cajun Gumbo recipe is definitely worth trying out!

Ingredient List

A delectable plate of vegetarian Cajun Gumbo ready to warm your tastebuds!

Let’s dive into the ingredients that make up this vegan cajun gumbo recipe.

Here is the list of everything you will need:

Vegetables:

1 small onion, chopped
2 celery stalks, chopped
1 medium green bell pepper, finely diced
1 red bell pepper, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
16 ounce can of whole kernel corn
16 ounce can of kidney beans
8 ounces of okra, fresh or frozen

Roux:

1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup all-purpose flour

Vegetable Stock:

2 cups vegetable stock

Tomato paste:

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices:

1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1/4 tablespoon cayenne

Worcestershire Sauce:

3 tablespoons vegan Worcestershire sauce

Vegan Butter:

2 tablespoons vegan butter

Herbs and Grains:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Cooked white rice

The Recipe How-To

Spices and bright colors come together to make the perfect bowl of gumbo.

Now that we have our ingredients prepared, it’s time to get cooking! Follow the easy steps below to make a delicious vegetarian Cajun gumbo:

Step 1: Make the Roux

In a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat, add 1 cup of vegetable oil and 1 cup of purpose flour.
Stir frequently with a wooden spoon or spatula for about 20-25 minutes, until the roux is a rich, dark brown color similar to chocolate. Be careful not to let it burn!
Once you have your desired color, turn off the heat and let the roux cool for a minute.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in another large pot over medium-high heat.
Add 2 medium chopped yellow onions, 2 diced green bell peppers, 2 diced red bell peppers, and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent.
Add 2 celery stalks diced, continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Combine Everything Together

To the pot of sautéed vegetables, add the roux and mix together thoroughly.
Add 8 cups of vegetable stock one cup at a time, mixing well before each addition.
Next, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce, 2 cans of drained and rinsed kidney beans, and 1 can of drained corn.
Finally, add 16 ounces of chopped okra (fresh or frozen).
Bring the mixture to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for about 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4: Cook Rice

While the gumbo is simmering, cook white rice according to package instructions to serve with the gumbo.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once ready, remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Ladle the gumbo into bowls with a generous scoop of rice on top. Garnish each bowl with fresh chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy vegetarian Cajun gumbo!

Substitutions and Variations

A hearty helping of this veggie gumbo will warm you up from the inside out!

This vegetarian gumbo recipe is a great base for experimentation and can be adjusted to your liking. Here are some suggested substitutions and variations:

– Okra: If you’re not a fan of okra, you can substitute it with green beans or zucchini. However, keep in mind that okra is an essential ingredient in traditional gumbo as it thickens the stew and adds a unique flavor.

– Bell Peppers: You can use any color of bell peppers for this recipe, or even mix them up for more color and flavor variations. If you prefer a spicier gumbo, try using some jalapeño peppers instead.

– Corn: Corn adds a nice sweetness to the dish, but if you don’t have any on hand or simply choose not to use it, feel free to leave it out.

– Protein Substitute: If you’re looking for some added protein, consider adding kidney beans to the gumbo. Alternatively, you can use plant-based sausage or chicken substitutes to mimic the texture and flavor of traditional meat-based gumbo recipes.

– Spice Level: The spice level in this recipe is medium-hot. For milder gumbo, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper used. On the flip side, if you want it spicier, add more cayenne or sprinkle some hot sauce over the top.

– Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option for this recipe, swap out the regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

– Louisiana Style Vegan Gumbo: This recipe already has vegan substitutes for traditional gumbo ingredients like sausage and chicken. But if you want a true Louisianan experience, switch out Worcestershire sauce with liquid smoke for that bold smoky flavor.

With these substitutions and variations in mind, get cooking! And don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and ingredients to create your own perfect gumbo dish.

Serving and Pairing

The perfect harmony of spices and textures in every spoonful of vegetarian Cajun Gumbo.

This vegetarian cajun gumbo is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Serve this hearty and flavorful stew with a scoop of steaming white rice to soak up all of the delicious juices. The rice will also help balance out the spiciness of the dish.

For additional flavor and texture, top your gumbo with freshly chopped parsley. It’s also common to serve Cajun gumbo with a side of cornbread drizzled with honey butter, which helps to mellow out the heat and add a touch of sweetness.

When it comes to pairing wine or beer, a full-bodied red such as syrah or zinfandel can stand up well to the bold spices in this dish. For beer lovers, a hoppy IPA or a malty brown ale can complement the richness of the gumbo.

If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic beverage option, try serving Louisiana-style sweet tea or a tall glass of ice-cold lemonade. Both are refreshing options that can help to cool down your palate between bites.

Whether you’re serving this dish at a family dinner or hosting a dinner party for friends, it’s bound to be a crowd-pleaser. So gather around the table and enjoy this plant-based take on an iconic Louisiana comfort food!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

This vegetarian gumbo recipe delivers the perfect balance of flavor, texture and aroma.

This Vegetarian Cajun Gumbo recipe is perfect for meal prepping and storing in the fridge or freezer. It can be made ahead of time and reheated throughout the week, without losing any flavor or quality.

To make ahead of time, prepare the gumbo according to the recipe instructions and let it cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Alternatively, you can freeze the gumbo for up to 3 months by placing it into a freezer-safe container.

To reheat the gumbo, transfer it from the fridge or freezer into a large pot and heat over medium-low heat until fully warmed through. You may need to add a little bit of vegetable broth or water to loosen the gumbo up as it reheats, as it can thicken slightly during storage.

This vegetarian gumbo is an excellent make-ahead option that makes life easier for busy weeknights. Its flavors will only deepen as they develop over time, making each freshly reheated bowl just as good as the first. So go ahead, make a big batch of this Vegan Cajun Gumbo Recipe and enjoy it all week long!

Tips for Perfect Results

The ultimate comfort food to bring to your dinner table, vegetarian gumbo sure doesn't disappoint! — The ultimate comfort food to bring to your dinner table, vegetarian gumbo sure doesn’t disappoint!

Making a perfect vegetarian Cajun gumbo can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you’re not familiar with the recipe or the ingredients. That’s why I’ve come up with these eight tips to help you create a delicious and authentic vegan gumbo that will impress your friends and family.

1. Make a roux that is rich in color

One of the key ingredients in gumbo is the roux, which is made by cooking flour and oil together until it becomes thick and brown. Take your time when making the roux, and ensure it has a lovely caramel color before adding any other ingredients. A golden-brown roux will give your gumbo its unique taste, while also helping to thicken it.

2. Use fresh and quality ingredients

Using fresh vegetables and spices guarantees that you’ll end up with a delicious vegan gumbo. Fresh bell peppers, onions, and okra can be purchased at any local grocery store or farmer’s market. You can also intensify the flavor profile by using premium-quality tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and spices like cayenne pepper, black pepper, parsley, garlic cloves.

3. Don’t be afraid to add more spice

While some people may find Cajun seasonings quite hot and spicy, feel free to add more if you want your gumbo to have an extra kick. Experiment with different spice combinations to suit your taste buds.

4. Take your time with cooking the vegetables

For vegetable-heavy dishes like gumbo (and other soups) , always allow enough time for the vegetables to cook properly before adding the liquid portion of the dish – this helps ensure that they develop their full sweet flavours.

5.The right ratio of liquid

The liquid ratio in gumbo is crucial because it affects its texture and thickness significantly. Aim for a ratio of about 3:1 liquid (vegetable stock or water) to solid ingredients (like vegetables, beans), for soup-like consistency.

6. Simmer long enough for flavors to meld

Gumbo is one such dish that takes time – as vegetables are slowly sautéed; all flavors dissolve into each other resulting in an engaging taste that many people crave – Allowing these flavors to blend can be accomplishing after any initial cooking once all ingredients are mixed in by low simmer for few minutes.

7. Cook rice separately

Rice should resolve soft & fluffy but not sticky or clumpy . If added directly to Gumbo mixture while cooking can lead towards inconsistent rice texture results-

8.Serve hot with garnish.

A final touch of fresh parsley adds earthy tones aroma before serving in bowl serve hot thick stew like texture garnished with chopped veggies-always give impression of restaurant style home cooked meal.- Enjoy!

FAQ

As with any recipe, it’s natural to have some questions or concerns. Prepare yourself a delicious Vegetarian Cajun Gumbo dish without any worries with the answers to some FAQ related to the recipe. Whether you’re wondering about substitutions or storing leftovers, we’ve got you covered with these tips and tricks. Keep reading to learn more about how to make this gumbo dish work for you.

What is the secret ingredient in gumbo?

According to some trusted friends, chicken stock is said to be the secret ingredient that makes a truly amazing gumbo, especially when it’s made with chicken and sausage.

What are the three types of gumbo?

When it comes to gumbo, there are some classic varieties that are well-loved such as seafood gumbo, sausage gumbo, and chicken gumbo, but it’s a dish that can be adapted in many ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

Is gumbo still gumbo without okra?

There are various ways to prepare gumbo, with or without okra or filé powder. In the traditional New Orleans version, a rich, dark roux is utilized, resembling the color and consistency of chocolate. The dish’s taste has its roots in diverse cultural influences. Creole gumbo, for instance, typically incorporates shellfish, along with a dark roux, filé, or both.

Is stock or broth better for gumbo?

No matter the type or source, incorporating stock into your gumbo will increase its richness and complexity.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this vegetarian Cajun gumbo recipe is a must-try for vegan food lovers who enjoy bold flavors and satisfying spices. It is one of the best ways to experience a delicious traditional dish while taking on a plant-based diet. Moreover, it offers various flexible alternatives to satisfy your preferences and dietary restrictions, including ingredient substitutions and variations that can make it gluten-free or fit within a slow-cooker meal.

By following the recipe’s easy-to-follow steps, carefully selecting fresh ingredients and making slight tweaks according to your liking, you will achieve the perfect result that will please everyone at your dinner table.

Nonetheless, gumbo preparation requires patience and attention to detail since it is all about creating distinct levels of flavor by expertly sauteing vegetables, developing a flavorful roux and layering ingredients progressively. So, be sure to follow the instructions closely and make use of the tips provided in this article to guarantee that everything comes out perfectly.

In our fast-paced world where we are constantly looking for ways to live healthier lifestyles without compromising on taste, this vegan gumbo recipe provides a balanced solution. With its diverse nutrient-dense ingredients such as okra, corn, celery, red and green bell peppers, kidney beans and lots of spices and herbs like parsley, cayenne pepper and garlic cloves you are assured of not only enjoying optimal taste but also nourishing your body.

So why not try out this fantastic vegetarian Cajun gumbo recipe for your upcoming family dinner or potluck gathering? You’ll impress them with your culinary skills while getting much-needed nourishment all in one bowl. What’s more, this recipe is versatile enough to enable you to experiment with different modifications without compromising on taste or consistency.

Upgrade your meal plan today by giving this vegan Cajun gumbo recipe a chance – it is bound to become a classic in no time!

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Jolo

Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.

Mouth-Watering Vegetarian Cajun Gumbo Recipe