Savory Creole-Style Vegetarian Jambalaya Delight
This hearty and flavorful Creole-Style Vegetarian Jambalaya is a celebration of vibrant vegetables and aromatic spices, making it a perfect dish for any gathering or family meal. The recipe prominently features eggplant, adding a delightful texture and depth of flavor, while the combination of fresh vegetables like zucchini, yellow squash, and bell peppers brings a medley of colors and nutrients to your plate. The base of chopped tomatoes and seasoned rice serves as a rich canvas allowing you to customize the dish to your liking. Relax and enjoy this dish with a fresh salad and a chilled beer for a truly satisfying experience. Perfect for vegetarians and those who love a little kick of spice, this jambalaya is sure to become a favorite at your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
21
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1/2 cup (none)
yellow onions
2 cups (small dice)
red onion
1 cup (small dice)
bell pepper
1 cup (small dice)
celery
1 cup (small dice)
eggplant
2 cups (small, diced)
yellow squash
1 cup (diced)
zucchini
1 cup (diced)
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
shallots
2 tablespoons (chopped)
tomatoes
3 cups (chopped)
salt
to taste (none)
black pepper
to taste (freshly ground)
cayenne pepper
1/2-1 teaspoon (to taste)
creole seasoning
2 teaspoons (to taste)
dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
bay leaves
3 (none)
long grain rice
4 cups (none)
tomato paste
1 cup (none)
vegetable stock
8 cups (none)
green onion
1 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large, heavy pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2
Add the yellow onions, red onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic, sautéing until they are tender, about 5 minutes.
3
Stir in the diced eggplant, yellow squash, and zucchini, cooking until they soften, about an additional 5 minutes.
4
Incorporate the chopped tomatoes and season them with salt, freshly ground black pepper, Creole seasoning, and cayenne pepper to taste.
5
Add the bay leaves for further flavor enhancement.
6
Stir the long grain rice into the mixture, ensuring even distribution, and allow it to sauté for 2 to 3 minutes.
7
In a separate non-stick pan, heat the tomato paste, stirring frequently until it caramelizes and becomes a deep mahogany color.
8
Carefully deglaze the caramelized tomato paste with a small amount of vegetable stock, mixing thoroughly until well combined.
9
Pour the tomato stock mixture into the vegetable pot, stirring gently to blend all ingredients well.
10
Cover the pot and let it cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed.
11
After cooking, remove the pot from heat and allow it to sit for 2 to 3 minutes with the lid on.
12
Finally, fold in the chopped green onions, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the jambalaya.
13
Garnish with fresh long chives before serving, and pair with a crisp salad and your favorite cold beer for a delightful meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Creole-Style Vegetarian Jambalaya Delight?
It is a hearty and flavorful meat-free version of the classic Creole rice dish, featuring vibrant vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and squash.
Is this jambalaya recipe vegan?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, including olive oil and vegetable stock, this recipe is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.
What kind of rice is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for 4 cups of long grain rice to ensure the proper texture.
How do I prepare the eggplant for the jambalaya?
The eggplant should be cut into a small dice to ensure it cooks evenly and blends well with the other vegetables.
What is the secret to the rich flavor in this vegetarian version?
The secret is caramelizing the tomato paste in a separate pan until it reaches a deep mahogany color before adding it to the main pot.
How long does the rice take to cook?
Once covered, the rice should cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.
What vegetables make up the base of this dish?
The base consists of yellow onions, red onions, celery, bell peppers, and garlic.
Is this jambalaya spicy?
Yes, it has a kick from the Creole seasoning and cayenne pepper, both of which can be adjusted to your preference.
What should I serve with this dish?
It is recommended to serve this jambalaya with a fresh, crisp salad and a chilled beer.
How much vegetable stock is required?
You will need 8 cups of vegetable stock to cook the 4 cups of long grain rice and vegetables.
What is the purpose of the bay leaves?
Three bay leaves are added during the vegetable sautéing process for further flavor enhancement.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
While olive oil is used for its flavor, you could substitute it with another neutral cooking oil if necessary.
How do I garnish the final dish?
The dish is finished with chopped green onions folded in and a garnish of fresh long chives.
What is 'deglazing' in this recipe?
Deglazing refers to adding a small amount of vegetable stock to the caramelized tomato paste to loosen it from the pan before adding it to the rice.
Does this recipe include squash?
Yes, it includes both 1 cup of diced yellow squash and 1 cup of diced zucchini.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe contains 21 different ingredients, including vegetables, spices, and grains.
Why should I let the pot sit for 2-3 minutes after cooking?
Allowing the pot to sit with the lid on helps the moisture redistribute, ensuring the rice is perfectly textured.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 cups of yellow onions and 1 cup of red onions for a complex flavor profile.
Is there garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of minced garlic.
How much Creole seasoning should I use?
The recipe suggests 2 teaspoons, but you can adjust this amount to taste.
What is the suggested preparation for the celery?
The celery should be prepared as a small dice.
Can I use fresh tomatoes?
Yes, the recipe calls for 3 cups of chopped tomatoes.
What herb is used in this jambalaya?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme along with fresh chives for garnish.
Is this a good dish for a large gathering?
Absolutely, it is described as a hearty dish perfect for any gathering or family meal.
Should I stir the rice while it is cooking?
No, the instructions state to let it cook undisturbed for 30 to 35 minutes after covering the pot.
What color should the tomato paste be when caramelized?
It should reach a deep mahogany color.
Are shallots included?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of chopped shallots are added for additional aromatic depth.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests 1/2 to 1 teaspoon, depending on your preferred level of heat.
What type of pot is best?
A large, heavy pot is recommended to ensure even heat distribution.
Is this dish considered comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its hearty nature and rich, spiced flavors.