Mardi Gras Veggie Jambalaya (Print Page)
A colorful vegetarian dish with Cajun spices, vegetables, kidney beans, and rice for a festive meal.
# What You Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup frozen okra, sliced
→ Grains & Legumes
10 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
11 - 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
12 - 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with juice
13 - 3 cups vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
14 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
15 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
18 - 1 bay leaf
19 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
20 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
21 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
22 - 2 teaspoons hot sauce
23 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
24 - 2 green onions, sliced
# Directions:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add diced onion, green and red bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
03 - Add diced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced okra. Cook for 2-3 minutes until tomatoes begin to release their juices.
04 - Add rinsed rice, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, vegetable broth, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, bay leaf, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
05 - Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover tightly and simmer for 25 minutes until rice is tender and liquid is fully absorbed.
06 - Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes. Discard bay leaf. Fluff rice with a fork and adjust seasoning if needed.
07 - Top with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green onions. Serve immediately with hot sauce on the side.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The holy trinity of onion, bell pepper, and celery creates that authentic Louisiana foundation without needing any meat
- One pot feeds a crowd and leaves you with minimal cleanup after the party winds down
02 -
- Rice varies wildly in liquid absorption so check a few minutes early and add a splash of broth if it seems dry
- Your Cajun seasoning blend determines the salt level so always taste before adding additional salt
03 -
- Dice all vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly and create better texture throughout
- Reserve some fresh parsley and green onions to add as a second garnish layer right before serving