Hearty Vegan Gumbo: A Rich and Flavorful Dish

Cooking Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:

• Serves 4-6

This Hearty Vegan Gumbo is a rich and flavorful dish inspired by traditional Louisiana cuisine. Packed with vegetables, beans, and spices, this gumbo is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delicious dish!

Ingredients:

For the Gumbo:

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour (use gluten-free if needed)
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 1 cup of okra, sliced
• 1 can (15 ounces) of diced tomatoes
• 4 cups of vegetable broth
• 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 bay leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Sliced green onions

For Serving:

• Cooked white or brown rice

Instructions:

Step 1: Make the Roux

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the flour and whisk continuously to create a roux. Cook the roux, whisking constantly, for about 10-15 minutes, or until it turns a deep golden brown color.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Add the finely chopped onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and celery to the pot with the roux. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Add the Okra and Tomatoes

1. Stir in the sliced okra and cook for 3-5 minutes until it starts to soften.
2. Add the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and stir to combine.

Step 4: Add the Broth and Beans

1. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
2. Stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans.

Step 5: Season the Gumbo

1. Add the smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and bay leaves. Stir well to combine.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Simmer the Gumbo

1. Reduce the heat to low and let the gumbo simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors have melded together and the vegetables are tender.
2. Remove the bay leaves before serving.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Serve the vegan gumbo hot over cooked white or brown rice.
2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions.
3. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful dish!

Tips and Variations:

• Extra Protein: Add some cooked chickpeas or tempeh for added protein.
• Different Greens: Stir in some fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition.
• Spicy Kick: Adjust the cayenne pepper or add hot sauce to taste for extra heat.

This Hearty Vegan Gumbo is a wonderful way to enjoy a rich and flavorful meal that’s both nutritious and satisfying. Perfect for any occasion, this gumbo is sure to become a favorite in your vegan recipe collection. Enjoy the comforting and savory flavors of this delightful dish. Happy cooking!