Description
A vibrant and flavorful Vegetable Jambalaya packed with hearty vegetables, rice, and bold Cajun spices. This dish is perfect for a wholesome and filling meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 zucchini, diced
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 1/2 cups long-grain rice (or brown rice for a healthier option)
- 3 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 1 cup frozen or fresh okra (optional)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion, green and red bell peppers, and celery. Cook for 5-7 minutes until softened.
- Add the minced garlic and zucchini, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Add the Spices:
- Stir in the smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the Rice and Tomatoes:
- Pour in the rice and stir to coat it with the spices and vegetables.
- Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), vegetable broth, and bay leaves. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Jambalaya:
- Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes until rice is cooked and liquid is absorbed. Stir occasionally.
- For brown rice, simmer for 40-45 minutes.
- Add Beans and Okra (Optional):
- If using kidney beans and/or okra, add them in the last 5-10 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or hot sauce if desired.
- Serve and Garnish:
- Remove bay leaves. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add extra hot sauce.
- Brown rice can be used for a healthier option, but it requires a longer cooking time.
- Feel free to adjust the vegetables based on seasonal availability or personal preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun/Creole
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 0mg