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Vegan Jambalaya with Beans and Sausage

5 from 3 votes

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This vegan jambalaya is a Louisiana inspired one pot dish of vegetables, rice, beans, and vegan sausage. It’s full of flavor, and an easy, nutritious meal.

Bowl of vegan jambalaya with another bowl and bottle of hot sauce in background

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What is jambalaya?

Jambalaya is a Creole rice dish, consisting of meat and vegetables mixed with rice. This dish has a rich history, and is inspired by West African, French, and Spanish cuisines.

Traditional jambalaya contains meats such as sausage, chicken, pork, and seafood. But since this is a vegan jambalaya, I have replaced the meat with kidney beans and slices of my vegan andouille sausage.

There are many versions of jambalaya, and there is a difference between Cajun jambalaya and Creole jambalaya. The Creole jambalaya contains tomatoes and is a more wet dish, and the Cajun versions do not contain tomatoes and are more dry. Both versions contain the “holy trinity” of vegetables: onions, green bell pepper, and celery. I have chosen to make a Creole version.

I have to admit, this is not a traditional jambalaya, but it is absolutely delicious!

Ingredients in this vegan jambalaya recipe

Closeup overhead photo of vegan jambalaya in a white bowl
  • The Cajun “holy trinity” or mirepoix of aromatic vegetables: onion, green bell pepper, and celery
  • Garlic
  • Crushed tomatoes – you can substitute fresh tomatoes or diced tomatoes
  • Bay leaves
  • Vegetable broth – use any broth you like: canned, carton, homemade – even bouillon powder will work.
  • Hot sauce – I would recommend either Tobasco sauce or Tapatio, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce
  • Vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • Herbs and spices: smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, and black pepper
  • Long grain brown rice
  • Kidney beans – canned or cooked from dry. You can substitute other beans if you prefer. Black beans, white beans, or black eyed peas would be great in this recipe.
  • Vegan andouille sausage – this is optional, but it adds so much wonderful flavor and texture, I’d highly recommend including it if you can. You can substitute your favorite vegan sausage, or add an additional can of beans if you prefer.

How to make this vegan jambalaya

If using vegan sausage, slice it and lightly dry fry it in a non-stick pan. Set aside.

Slices of vegan sausage in a non-stick skillet

Heat a large stainless steel pan or stock pot to medium high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until the onion is caramelized. Once the vegetables begin to release their juices, turn the heat down to medium. When the surface of the pan begins to brown, add a small amount of water to deglaze the pan.

Once the onions are caramelizled, add the garlic and continue to sauté for a couple more minutes, until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.

Onions, peppers, and celery sauteing in a stainless steel pan

Add the tomatoes, herbs, and spices, and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the vegetable broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and rice. Stir to combine.

Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 50 to 60 minutes. The cooking time may vary, depending on the type of rice you use. After about 40 minutes, check to make sure there is sufficient liquid. If it is getting too dry, add a bit more water.

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the kidney beans and the sausage slices. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the beans and sausage to heat up.

Vegan jambalaya in stainless steel skillet

Serve with additional hot sauce, sliced green onions, or chopped parsley, if desired.

Can this be made gluten free?

To make this jambalaya gluten free, simply omit the seitan sausage and replace it with an additional can of beans.

How to store leftovers

Bowl of vegan jambalaya with fork beside it, another bowl and bottle of hot sauce in background

Leftovers can be stored in an air tight container in the refrigerator for about 5 days. To reheat, warm it in the microwave for a minute or two. If you don’t want to use a microwave, it can be heated in the oven. If you choose this method, add a bit of water so it doesn’t dry out.

For longer storage, the jambalaya can be frozen, but the rice may be a bit mushy after freezing.

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Closeup overhead photo of vegan jambalaya in a white bowl
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5 from 3 votes

Vegan Jambalaya with Beans and Sausage

This vegan jambalaya is a Louisiana inspired one pot dish of vegetables, rice, beans, and vegan sausage. It's full of flavor, and an easy, nutritious meal.
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword Brown Rice, Oil Free, Vegan
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 8
Calories 388.7kcal
Author Teresa Sklenicka

Ingredients

  • Vegan sausage optional
  • 1 onion
  • 2 celery stalks
  • 1 green bell pepper
  • 4 cloves garlic
  • 14 ounce can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 ½ cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cups uncooked brown rice
  • 1 can kidney beans rinsed and drained
  • 2 sliced green onions for garnish

Instructions

  • If using vegan sausage, slice it and lightly dry fry it in a non-stick pan. Set aside.
  • Heat a large stainless steel pan or stock pot to medium high heat. Add the onions, bell pepper, and celery and sauté until the onion is caramelized. Once the vegetables begin to release their juices, turn the heat down to medium. Add a small amount of water to the pan periodically when the surface browns to deglaze the pan.
  • Add the garlic and continue to sauté for a couple more minutes, until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it.
  • Add the tomatoes, herbs, and spices, and cook for about 2 minutes. Then add the vegetable broth, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and rice. Stir to combine.
  • Bring the rice to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover and cook for 50 to 60 minutes. The cooking time may vary, depending on the type of rice you use. After about 40 minutes, check to make sure there is sufficient liquid. If it is getting too dry, add a bit more water.
  • Once the rice is cooked, stir in the kidney beans and the sausage slices. Cook for a few more minutes to allow the beans and sausage to heat up.
  • Serve with additional hot sauce, sliced green onions, or chopped parsley, if desired.

Nutrition

Calories: 388.7kcal | Carbohydrates: 69.9g | Protein: 21.8g | Fat: 0.5g | Sodium: 688.5mg | Fiber: 7.3g | Sugar: 7.1g | Vitamin A: 518.39IU | Vitamin C: 21.4mg | Calcium: 83.19mg | Iron: 3.55mg

Nutrition calculations are approximate.

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By on February 25th, 2021

About Teresa Sklenicka

I love creating tasty, oil-free, vegan recipes that everyone will love (even non-vegans)! Here you'll find vegan versions of your favorite comfort foods, as well as some new tastes! Join me on a path to improving your health, helping the planet, and saving animals.

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