Vegan jambalaya is a vibrant, flavorful one-pot dish that brings together rice, vegetables, and plant-based protein with bold Creole spices. It’s a comforting meal perfect for sharing or meal prepping.

We love how simple it is to make, yet it never fails to deliver rich, smoky, and spicy notes that warm the soul.

Why We Choose Vegan Jambalaya

This dish is quick, filling, and adaptable. With fresh vegetables and protein-packed beans or vegan sausages, it’s balanced and nourishing. Plus, it’s all cooked in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether we want a cozy dinner or a nutritious lunch for the next day, vegan jambalaya fits the bill.

Main Ingredients for Our Vegan Jambalaya

The base is onions, bell peppers, celery, and garlic — the holy trinity of Creole cooking. We use long-grain rice for its fluffiness but love swapping in brown rice or quinoa for extra fiber.

Smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, and bay leaves bring deep, aromatic flavors. For protein, kidney beans or plant-based sausage add texture and heartiness. Vegetable broth rounds out the flavors perfectly.

How to Make Vegan Jambalaya Step by Step

Ingredients (4 servings):

- 1 cup long-grain rice

- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)

- 1 medium onion, diced

- 1 bell pepper, diced

- 2 celery stalks, diced

- 3 garlic cloves, minced

- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes

- 1½ cups vegetable broth

- 1 tsp smoked paprika

- 1 tsp dried thyme

- 1 tsp dried oregano

- 1 bay leaf

- 1 cup cooked kidney beans or vegan sausage chunks

- Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Steps:

1. Heat oil in a pot over medium heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook 5 minutes until softened.

2. Add paprika, thyme, and oregano; stir for 1 minute to release fragrance.

3. Pour in crushed tomatoes and broth; add bay leaf and bring to a simmer.

4. Add rice, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Stir in beans or sausage; cook 5 more minutes until heated through.

6. Remove bay leaf; season with salt and pepper. Serve hot.

Tips and Serving Ideas

Try pairing jambalaya with vegan cornbread or a crisp salad for a full meal. You can add sliced okra or chopped carrots when cooking for extra veggies.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.

Let’s Keep Cooking!

Vegan jambalaya is a fantastic meal that balances ease, nutrition, and bold flavor. It’s perfect for anyone wanting a satisfying plant-based dish with minimal fuss. Ready to try it? Let’s cook and enjoy this Creole classic—vegan style!