**Vegetarian Gumbo: A Flavorful Journey into the Heart of Southern Cuisine**
In the realm of Southern cooking, few dishes hold a more prominent place than the hearty and flavorful gumbo. This iconic stew, with its origins in Louisiana, is a symphony of bold flavors and textures, a marriage of diverse culinary traditions that have shaped the American South. While traditional gumbo often revolves around meat or seafood, vegetarian gumbo offers a delectable plant-based alternative that captures the essence of this beloved dish.
Our vegetarian gumbo recipes explore the versatility and richness of this Southern classic, showcasing a range of ingredients and cooking techniques that cater to diverse preferences and dietary needs. From the classic Cajun-inspired gumbo to lighter, healthier versions, these recipes promise an explosion of flavors that will transport you to the heart of Southern hospitality.
1. **Classic Vegetarian Gumbo:** This recipe embodies the traditional essence of gumbo, featuring a rich, flavorful roux, a medley of colorful vegetables, and aromatic spices. The slow-cooked gumbo base, infused with the "holy trinity" of celery, bell peppers, and onions, forms the foundation for this hearty and satisfying dish.
2. **Easy Weeknight Vegetarian Gumbo:** For those seeking a quick and convenient gumbo fix, this recipe delivers all the flavors of classic gumbo in a time-friendly manner. With the help of pantry staples and pre-cut vegetables, you can conjure up a delicious and nutritious gumbo in under an hour, making it a perfect weeknight meal.
3. **Healthy Vegetarian Gumbo:** This recipe caters to those seeking a healthier take on gumbo, without compromising on taste. Featuring a vegetable-packed broth, brown rice, and an array of nutrient-rich ingredients, this gumbo is a guilt-free indulgence that nourishes the body and soul.
4. **Vegan Vegetarian Gumbo:** For those following a vegan lifestyle, this recipe offers a delectable gumbo experience that excludes all animal-derived products. With a creamy cashew-based roux and a symphony of vegetables, this gumbo delivers a rich, satisfying flavor profile that is sure to impress even the most discerning vegan palate.
5. **Loaded Vegetarian Gumbo:** This recipe takes gumbo to the next level with an abundance of hearty and flavorful ingredients. Black-eyed peas, okra, corn, and potatoes join forces in this gumbo, creating a textural extravaganza that is sure to satisfy even the most voracious appetite.
6. **Spicy Vegetarian Gumbo:** For those who crave a bit of heat in their gumbo, this recipe delivers a fiery kick without overpowering the other flavors. A blend of cayenne pepper, chili powder, and Tabasco sauce ignites the senses, creating a gumbo that is both comforting and exhilarating.
7. **Seafood-Inspired Vegetarian Gumbo:** This recipe bridges the gap between vegetarian and seafood gumbo by incorporating briny, umami-rich ingredients. With the addition of kelp powder, wakame, and nori, this gumbo captures the essence of the sea, offering a unique and flavorful take on the classic dish.
8. **Creamy Vegetarian Gumbo:** This recipe adds a touch of decadence to the traditional gumbo with the incorporation of coconut milk. The creamy, velvety texture of coconut milk complements the bold flavors of the gumbo, creating a dish that is both rich and refreshing.
VEGETARIAN GUMBO
No one will miss the meat in this satisfying stew (it's also vegan!). It starts with a roux and the holy trinity of onion, celery, and bell pepper, then calls for both fresh ingredients (okra and yellow squash) and canned (tomatoes and black-eyed peas).
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Lunch Recipes
Time 1h15m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- In a medium pot, whisk together oil and flour to combine. Cook over medium heat, whisking frequently, until mixture is the color of butterscotch, about 10 minutes.
- Add onion, celery, and bell pepper. Season with salt and cook, stirring, until vegetables soften, about 8 minutes. Add tomatoes and Creole seasoning; cook until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Stir in broth, okra, squash, and peas. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Serve over rice, sprinkled with scallions.
VEGETARIAN GUMBO
This meatless gumbo has a distinct Louisiana flavor, thanks to the roux, Creole seasoning and the "holy trinity" of Creole cooking (onion, celery, bell pepper). Gumbo is traditionally made with a variety of smoked meats and seafood, but this version gets an added bit of smokiness from an optional splash of liquid smoke. Here, the okra is roasted in the oven before being added to the pot, which eliminates the gooey-ness. There is also no skimping on vegetables in this gumbo, and the red lentils thicken it while adding protein. Serving this gumbo over white rice helps make it a complete meal.
Provided by Vallery Lomas
Categories dinner, soups and stews, main course
Time 50m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Heat oven to 400 degrees. Place the frozen okra in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet, breaking up any large clumps, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Roast, until cooked through and just starting to brown, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- As okra roasts, prepare the roux: Melt the butter in a cast-iron skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. (Either vessel will help evenly distribute the heat for a better roux.) If using vegetable oil, simply heat over medium. Using a heatproof rubber spatula or wooden spoon, mix the flour into the fat. Stir continuously, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot so the roux does not burn (a burned roux cannot be saved), until the roux transforms from pale to peanut butter to a rich cinnamon color, about 7 minutes. Remove the roux from the heat and set aside. (Pull the pot from the heat just as the desired color is reached; the retained heat will continue to cook the roux slightly.)
- Add the olive oil to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. Add the celery and bell pepper, and cook until softened, another 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Lastly, add the Creole and Old Bay seasonings, and stir so that they coat the vegetables and are lightly toasted, about 1 minute.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, stock and lentils. Bring the ingredients to a boil, then reduce the heat to a light simmer. Cover and allow the lentils to cook undisturbed for 15 minutes. (Add more water or stock if needed.)
- Add the okra and cook uncovered until softened, another 5 minutes. Stir in the hot sauce, and the liquid smoke, if using. Give the cooled roux a good stir and add it to the pot, making sure to mix it in thoroughly, then simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, creole seasoning or hot sauce, if desired. Serve warm over white rice or quinoa.
VEGETARIAN GUMBO RECIPE BY TASTY
Here's what you need: olive oil, yellow onion, cremini mushroom, garlic, low sodium soy sauce, dried thyme, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, vegan worcestershire sauce, liquid smoke, salt, pepper, cannellini bean, bread crumbs, vital wheat gluten, vegetable broth, all purpose flour, celery, okra, green bell pepper, tomato, red kidney bean, brown rice, fresh parsley
Provided by Rachel Gaewski
Categories Dinner
Yield 5 servings
Number Of Ingredients 25
Steps:
- In a large pot, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add ½ cup (75g) diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until semi-translucent.
- Add the mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes, until most of the juices have evaporated.
- Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, the soy sauce, 1 teaspoon thyme, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon oregano, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, 2 teaspoons vegan Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper and cook for another 4-5 minutes, until all of the liquid has evaporated and the spices are fragrant.
- Add the cannellini beans to a medium bowl and mash until mostly smooth (a few lumps are okay). Then, add the mushroom mixture, bread crumbs, vital wheat gluten, and 2 tablespoons vegetable broth and mix well until combined. Use your hands to knead the mixture until cohesive, then begin to roll about a tablespoon at a time of the mixture into "meatballs".
- In the same large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil begins to shimmer, add the meatballs and cook for about 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown. Remove the meatballs from the pot and set aside.
- Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot, along with the flour. Stir the roux continuously with a wooden spoon for about 3-4 minutes, until the consistency resembles wet sand.
- Add the remaining ½ cup (75g) diced onion, the celery, and the okra to the pot and cook for 4-5 minutes, until the onion is semi-translucent.
- Add the remaining 4 cloves of minced garlic and the green bell pepper and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Add the remaining teaspoon of vegan Worcestershire sauce, ½ teaspoon liquid smoke, 1 teaspoon thyme, ½ teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon cayenne, and ½ teaspoon pepper and cook for 4 more minutes, until the spices are fragrant.
- Add the crushed tomatoes and stir until combined. Then, add the red beans and add the remaining 3½ cups (840ml) vegetable broth and stir until well combined. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the gumbo has thickened.
- Season with salt to taste. Then, add the meatballs and stir to incorporate.
- Serve over rice and garnish with parsley.
- Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 1090 calories, Carbohydrate 113 grams, Fat 76 grams, Fiber 17 grams, Protein 31 grams, Sugar 16 grams
VEGETARIAN LOUISIANA GUMBO
Taken from Vegetarian Times, March 2003. Since this was first posted, we have made this and found it to be delicious! We didn't have as much okra as the recipe called for, but would recommed using the entire amount suggested as it is an important ingredient. We hope you enjoy it!!!
Provided by Dominick and Amanda
Categories Gumbo
Time 35m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- To make Roux: In medium-sized, heavy-gauge saucepan, heat oil and garlic over medium heat, about 1 minute. Avoid browning garlic. Whisk in flour and increase heat to medium-high. Whisk continuously, and when paste begins to darken, add broth and Worcestershire sauce. Continue to whisk as roux thickens, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
- To make Gumbo: Spray 5-quart saucepan with nonstick cooking spray or wipe down with olive oil. Heat saucepan over medium-high heat and add garlic, onion, and pepper. Sauté 3 minutes, and add okra. Cook 5 minutes, and add vegetarian links and seitan. Cook mixture 8 minutes, stirring often. Add sherry.
- Add ¾ cup broth to pan. Place tomatoes in food processor, and pulse to chop coarsely. Add tomatoes to broth. Whisk remaining ¼ cup broth into roux, and stir mixture into gumbo. Add thyme, coriander, and hot pepper sauce. Reduce heat to low. Cook for 10 minutes. Remove from heat, and serve.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 140.8, Fat 3.7, SaturatedFat 0.5, Sodium 261.2, Carbohydrate 17.5, Fiber 3.4, Sugar 7.6, Protein 2.7
FIRE ROASTED VEGETARIAN GUMBO
The smokiness from the paprika, roasted peppers, and tomatoes takes the place of andouille sausage in this vegetarian gumbo. With a lot of spice and flavor, this gumbo is a great way to warm up on a cold winter's night.
Provided by JessMacintyre
Categories Soups, Stews and Chili Recipes Stews Gumbo Recipes
Time 2h
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 20
Steps:
- Preheat oven to broil.
- Arrange the serrano, banana, and jalapeno chile peppers on a baking sheet and place in the oven. Watch carefully and broil just until the skins blacken and blister, 4 to 5 minutes. Turn the peppers and continue broiling until all sides are blackened. Remove the peppers from the oven and place in a sealed paper bag to steam. After 15 to 20 minutes, remove peppers from the bag and peel off the crispy black skin. Remove stems and seeds from the peppers, coarsely chop, and place in a bowl.
- Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat until a pinch of flour sprinkled over the oil just begins to bubble. Whisk in the rest of the flour and cook, whisking continuously, until the mixture is well blended and dark brown, about 20 minutes. Once it becomes dark brown, remove the roux from the heat.
- Place 2 tablespoons of canola oil into a deep soup pot and heat over medium-high heat. When the oil is just about to smoke, stir in the celery with half of the onions and bell peppers. Cook and stir until the vegetables are tender and the onion is transparent, about 5 minutes. Stir 1/4 cup of the vegetable broth into the pot. Cover, and simmer until almost all the liquid is evaporated, 10 to 15 minutes.
- Stir the serrano, banana, and jalapeno chile peppers, along with the uncooked bell peppers and onions, garlic, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika file powder, into the cooked bell peppers and onions. Stir the roux and 1 cup of stock into the vegetable mixture until the roux dissolves. Cover and simmer 5 minutes. Add the tomatoes, sweet potato, parsnip, red beans, black-eyed peas, okra, and remaining stock. Simmer uncovered 30 minutes more. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 267.8 calories, Carbohydrate 35.7 g, Fat 11.8 g, Fiber 8.8 g, Protein 6.8 g, SaturatedFat 0.9 g, Sodium 885.8 mg, Sugar 8.4 g
Tips:
- Use a variety of vegetables. This will give your gumbo a more complex flavor and texture. Some good options include okra, bell peppers, onions, celery, and carrots.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different spices. Gumbo is a very versatile dish, so you can really let your creativity shine through. Some good spices to try include cayenne pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Cook the gumbo low and slow. This will allow the flavors to meld together and develop. Simmer the gumbo for at least an hour, or longer if you have time.
- Serve the gumbo with rice. This is the traditional way to serve gumbo, and it's a great way to soak up all of the delicious sauce.
Conclusion:
Vegetarian gumbo is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It's also a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables. With a little preparation, you can easily make vegetarian gumbo at home. So what are you waiting for? Give it a try today!
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