Vegan Jambalaya Recipe – A Flavorful, Spicy Creole Delight
This Vegan Jambalaya recipe brings all the bold flavors of traditional Creole cooking into a plant-based meal that is satisfying, hearty, and full of life. With spicy tempeh, rich vegetables, and the perfect balance of seasonings, this dish is not only a game-changer for vegans but for anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful, comforting one-pot meal.
While many people may initially view vegan food as earthy or bland, this recipe will completely change your mind, offering a perfect example of how plant-based cooking can be just as delicious, complex, and comforting as its non-vegan counterparts. The marinated tempeh gives the dish a meaty texture, while the combination of bell peppers, tomatoes, and spices offers that deep, aromatic kick typical of Cajun and Creole cuisine. It’s packed with protein, fiber, and heart-healthy ingredients to keep you full and satisfied.
This recipe is part of a fantastic new vegan cookbook gifted by my sister, and it’s quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also incredibly easy to make, even for novice cooks. Let’s dive into the detailed instructions and cooking process that’ll transform simple ingredients into a mouth-watering, plant-based feast.
Recipe Overview
| Recipe Name | Vegan Jambalaya |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 24 hours (for marinating tempeh) |
| Total Time | 24 hours 5 minutes |
| Recipe Yield | Serves 4 |
| Recipe Category | Tempeh, Vegan |
| Cuisine | Cajun, Creole |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Recipe Rating | 4.5/5 |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Tempeh | 1 block |
| Vegetarian chicken-flavored broth mix | 1 pack |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Tabasco sauce | 1 tbsp |
| Cayenne pepper | 1 tsp |
| Artichoke hearts | 1 can |
| Rice (long-grain white) | 1 cup |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Diced tomatoes (Rotel) | 1 can |
| Yellow onion | 1 small |
| Red bell pepper | 1 medium |
| Green bell pepper | 1 medium |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Cajun seasoning | 2 tbsp |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 721.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 33.5 g |
| Saturated Fat | 6 g |
| Cholesterol | 0 mg |
| Sodium | 1046.6 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 68.5 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g |
| Sugars | 4.7 g |
| Protein | 46.7 g |
Instructions
-
Marinate the Tempeh:
Start by cubing the tempeh into bite-sized pieces. In a large bowl, combine the vegetarian chicken-flavored broth mix, olive oil, Cajun seasoning, cayenne pepper, and Tabasco sauce. Stir well to ensure the tempeh is evenly coated in the marinade. Let the tempeh marinate overnight for at least 12 hours, or ideally, up to 24 hours to absorb all the rich flavors. -
Brown the Tempeh and Sausage:
Once the tempeh has marinated, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and brown the marinated tempeh cubes along with any tempeh sausage you may want to add for extra flavor. Saute for about 5–7 minutes until the tempeh is crispy on the edges and nicely browned. Remove from heat and set aside. -
Prepare the Vegetables:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper, and cook until the onion becomes translucent (about 5 minutes). Stir in the garlic (if using) and cook for another minute, allowing the aromatics to release their flavors. -
Cook the Rice:
Once the vegetables are softened, add the rice to the pot. Stir the rice into the vegetable mixture for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to toast slightly and become translucent. This step will enhance the flavor of the rice, giving it that lovely nutty taste. -
Add the Liquids:
Pour in the water and the juice from the can of Rotel diced tomatoes. Stir everything together to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then cover the pot with a lid. Lower the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 25 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. -
Combine and Final Cook:
Once the rice is cooked, remove the pot from the heat. Add the browned tempeh and artichoke hearts to the pot and stir gently to incorporate. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, and additional Cajun seasoning if needed. Let the jambalaya sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is well mixed and the flavors are balanced, serve your vegan jambalaya hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this comforting, hearty dish with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Tips for Making the Best Vegan Jambalaya:
- Marinating Tempeh: Make sure to marinate the tempeh for at least 12 hours, or even up to 24 hours. This will infuse the tempeh with a deep, savory flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper and Tabasco sauce based on your preference for spiciness. You can always start with a little less and add more to taste.
- Rice Alternatives: If you want to make this dish even more nutritious, you can substitute white rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, celery, or carrots to this dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
Why This Recipe Works:
- Simple Yet Flavorful: The combination of Cajun spices, tomatoes, and marinated tempeh gives this dish deep, complex flavors that are sure to satisfy. It’s hearty enough to be a main dish but also pairs well with side dishes.
- Vegan & Protein-Packed: Tempeh is an excellent source of plant-based protein, and combined with the rice and beans, this meal provides a substantial amount of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
- Easy to Prepare: Despite its bold flavor profile, this recipe requires minimal effort. Most of the cooking time is hands-off, allowing the flavors to develop while you relax or prep other dishes.
Final Thoughts:
This Vegan Jambalaya is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying plant-based meal. With its rich combination of spices, tender tempeh, and hearty vegetables, this dish is a celebration of Cajun cuisine that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply someone looking to explore new flavors, this dish is a must-try for any fan of Creole or Southern cooking.
Enjoy this dish with your loved ones, and feel free to share the recipe for a fun and healthy dinner night. With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, this vegan jambalaya will definitely be a crowd-pleaser.
