Vegetarian Jambalaya

Perfect for Meatless Monday, this tasty, vegetarian take on a classic New Orleans-style jambalaya will have your taste buds singing with delight.

(7 votes, average: 3.29 out of 5)

Vegetarian Jambalaya

Cooking time
PREP TIME 10 mins
Cooking time
COOK TIME 15 mins
Servings
SERVES 4
Ready in
TOTAL TIME 25 mins

Ingredients

  • 2 bags Success® White Rice
  • 2 tbsp canola oil
  • 2 stalks celery, diced
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) black-eyed peas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup sodium-reduced vegetable broth
  • 4 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • Pinch cayenne pepper
  • 4 cups loosely packed chopped kale
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  • This Vegetarian Jambalaya is surprisingly quick to make! With the perfect blend of zesty, spicy and savory flavors, everyone is sure to love this vibrant dish.

    Step 1

  • Prepare rice according to package directions.

    Step 2

  • Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add celery, onion and red bell pepper and sauté for 3-5 minutes, or until slightly softened.

    Step 3

  • Stir in peas, tomatoes, broth, Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Cook for 10-15 minutes, or until vegetables are tender and sauce is slightly thickened.

    Step 4

  • Stir in rice and kale; cook for 2-3 minutes, or until kale is wilted and rice is heated through. Stir in lemon juice and parsley before serving.

    Recipe Tips

    If you’re making this jambalaya for children, or others who don’t love spice, use less Cajun seasoning than what’s called for in the recipe and omit the cayenne pepper.

    Substitute vegetable-based chicken or sausage protein for black-eyed peas, if desired.

Cajun Cooking

Celebrate Cajun cooking by bringing some Southern Louisiana vibes to your kitchen! This scrumptious recipe begins with diced celery, onion and red bell pepper, the holy trinity of Cajun and creole cooking. This sofrito-like blend is then combined with your choice of beans, diced tomatoes and broth and seasoned with Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper. Once that savory base has simmered, you’ll add in Success® White Rice to absorb all of those delicious flavors!

What is Jambalaya?

With its origins in New Orleans, Louisiana, jambalaya is a rich and flavorful rice dish that is packed with a melting pot of tastes and textures from different cuisines. West African, French and Spanish cuisines are all thought to have influenced traditional jambalaya recipes. Although jambalaya is usually made with meat and seafood, this vegetarian version delivers much of the same vibrant flavor and comfort as the original.

If you have some veggie odds and ends hanging around, this recipe is a perfect place to use them! You can use up produce you have at home in this recipe and you’ll love the results.

More Recipe Inspiration

For more Louisiana-style recipes, try our Vegan Dirty Rice or maybe our Jambalaya Stuffed Peppers.

Want to make more meatless meals? Try out this easy vegan meatloaf for a creative spin on a classic dish!