Cajun Vegetarian Jambalaya Delight

πŸ•’ Prep: 15 min
πŸ”₯ Cook: 50 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Welcome to a delightful twist on a classic favorite: Cajun Vegetarian Jambalaya Delight! This flavorful dish brings together bold spices and hearty vegetables, making it a perfect meal for any season. Let's dive in and spice up your dinner table with this wholesome recipe.

Ingredients for Cajun Vegetarian Jambalaya Delight

Olive oil is the base for sautΓ©ing and adds a subtle fruitiness. Onion, bell pepper, and celery are the classic Cajun trinity, providing a savory backbone. Garlic infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor. Brown rice adds a nutty texture and keeps you full longer. Diced tomatoes bring a touch of acidity and moisture. Vegetable broth is the liquid gold that ties everything together.

Smoked paprika and cayenne pepper deliver that smoky, spicy kick. Thyme and oregano add depth and earthiness. Black pepper and salt enhance all the other flavors. Black beans are a hearty protein source. Okra lends a unique texture and helps thicken the dish. Corn adds a pop of sweetness. Finally, green onions and lemon wedges brighten up the finished jambalaya.

Tips & Tricks

  • Rinse the brown rice thoroughly to remove extra starch and prevent clumping.
  • If you prefer less heat, adjust the cayenne pepper to your liking.
  • For a creamier texture, add a splash of coconut milk towards the end.
  • To save time, use pre-chopped veggies from the store.

Serving Suggestions

This jambalaya is a complete meal on its own, but if you're feeling fancy, serve it alongside a fresh green salad or some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of flavor. A glass of iced tea or a crisp white wine pairs beautifully with this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use white rice instead of brown rice?
Yes, but you’ll need to reduce the cooking time to about 20 minutes or until the rice is tender.
What if I can't find okra?
You can substitute it with zucchini or omit it entirely if you prefer.
Can this dish be made in advance?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.

Cajun Vegetarian Jambalaya Delight Recipe Walkthrough

Start by heating your olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once it's shimmering, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and celery. Let them cook for about 5 minutes until they're tender and releasing a wonderful aroma. Add in your minced garlic and stir for another minute until it's fragrant but not burnt.

Now, stir in the brown rice, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Mix everything well so that the rice is evenly coated and starting to absorb those delicious flavors. Sprinkle in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt. Give it a good stir, bring it all to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 45 minutes. This gives the rice time to cook and soak up all those incredible flavors.

Once the rice is cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, it's time to add the finishing touches. Stir in the black beans, okra, and corn. Let them heat through for another 5 minutes, just until everything is nice and hot. Serve your jambalaya hot, garnished with chopped green onions and a squeeze of lemon juice from the wedges on the side for that zesty finish.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Cajun flavors without the meat.
  • Rich in vegetables, making it a nutritious choice.
  • A one-pot wonder for easy cleanup.
  • Perfect for meal prep and leftovers taste even better!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
2 ribs of celery, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup brown rice
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
2 cups vegetable broth
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup frozen okra, thawed
1/2 cup corn kernels
2 green onions, chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery, cooking until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
4. Add the brown rice, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
5. Season the mixture with smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme, oregano, black pepper, and salt.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 45 minutes until the rice is fully cooked and liquid is absorbed.
7. Stir in the black beans, okra, and corn, and cook for another 5 minutes until heated through.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and lemon wedges on the side.

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