How to Make Vegan (Say What?!) Gumbo - A Step-by-Step Guide

Gumbo is a classic Southern dish with roots in the Creole and Cajun cuisines of Louisiana. Traditionally, it's made with a rich, flavorful base of meat and seafood, but for those looking for a meatless alternative, this Vegan (Say What?!) Gumbo recipe is for you! Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your diet, this recipe is a delicious and satisfying option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

Instead of relying on meat or seafood for ...

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Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 8 stalks celery, chopped
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • ⅓ cup canola oil
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 eggplant, peeled and chopped
  • 6 cups chopped okra
  • 1 (15 ounce) can red beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon gumbo file powder
  • 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
  • 1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
  • ¼ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 4 cups vegetable broth, divided

Information

  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 2 hrs
  • Total Time: 2 hrs 30 mins
  • Servings: 10
  • Yield: 10 servings

  • Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a skillet over medium high heat.
  • Stir in the onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl; set aside.
  • Heat the remaining 1/3 cup canola oil in the same skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds.
  • Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the roux darkens and has a nutty scent, about 15 minutes.
  • Reduce heat to low and pour in about one cup of vegetable broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.
  • Stir in the vegetable mixture and tomatoes.
  • Pour in about one more cup of vegetable broth, stirring to combine.
  • Mix in the eggplant, okra, red beans, salt, thyme, basil, file powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, cumin, liquid smoke, bay leaves, and remaining 4 cups of broth.
  • Cover and continue to simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.
  • Nutrition

    211 cal.

    • Total Fat: 10g
    • Saturated Fat: 1g
    • Sodium: 949mg
    • Total Carbohydrate: 27g
    • Dietary Fiber: 8g
    • Total Sugars: 7g
    • Protein: 6g
    • Vitamin C: 40mg
    • Calcium: 124mg
    • Iron: 3mg
    • Potassium: 539mg