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vegetarian jambalaya cooking guide

Hearty Vegetarian Jambalaya

This robust vegetarian jambalaya delivers authentic Louisiana flavors without any meat. Featuring seitan, brown rice, and a perfect blend of spices, this dish creates a satisfying, protein-rich meal that even carnivores will request the recipe for.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 320

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 cup onion chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped (about 1/2 large pepper)
  • 1/2 cup celery chopped (about 1 stalk)
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup whole canned tomatoes drained (reserve liquid) and coarsely chopped
  • 12 ounces seitan drained and shredded
  • 1 cup brown rice uncooked
  • 2 3/4 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt plus 1/4 teaspoon for rice
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
  • 1/8 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 4 sprigs fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Food processor
  • Mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. In a small bowl, combine the spice mixture: cumin, chili powder, dried thyme, dried sage, celery seed, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne, and 1 teaspoon salt. Mix well and set aside.
  3. Drain the whole canned tomatoes, reserving the liquid. Coarsely chop the tomatoes.
  4. Place the seitan in a food processor and pulse about 12 times until shredded to create a meat-like texture.
  5. In a Dutch oven with a lid, combine the reserved tomato liquid with vegetable broth and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  6. Add the uncooked brown rice and 1/4 teaspoon salt to the liquid. Return to a boil, then cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes.
  7. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until slightly softened, about 3 minutes.
  8. Add garlic, red bell pepper, and celery to the onions. Stir in the prepared spice mixture and cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  9. Add the chopped tomatoes to the vegetable mixture, followed by the shredded seitan. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  10. Transfer the vegetable-seitan mixture to the Dutch oven with the partially cooked rice. Stir to combine thoroughly.
  11. Cover the Dutch oven and bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, until all liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
  12. Remove from oven and let rest, covered, for 5 minutes.
  13. Stir well before serving and garnish with fresh flat-leaf parsley.

Notes

For the best flavor, use high-quality vegetable broth or homemade if available. If you're sensitive to spice, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. The jambalaya actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
For variations, you can substitute tempeh or pressed firm tofu for the seitan. White rice can be used instead of brown, but reduce the cooking time accordingly. Adding smoked paprika provides a delicious smoky flavor reminiscent of traditional jambalaya with andouille sausage.