Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (2024)

A vegan take on the traditional spicy southern soul food.

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (1)

My best friend is in New Orleans this week, and I am having major envy. Not only could I use the warmth, but I’m also missing the culture and energy of the city. To help assuage my jealousy, I’ve channeled it into this week’s dinners. On the menu tonight? Vegan jambalaya.

This zesty creole soul food is a Louisiana-staple as rich in culture and tradition as it is in spice and flavor. Fortunately, “traditional” doesn’t mean there’s only one way to do this dish. Quite the opposite, actually. There are as many ways to prepare this meal as there are people who want to try their hand at it. It’s an easy recipe to throw together with whatever you have in your pantry, and this vegan version is one of the healthiest (and tastiest) around.

Louisiana Classic

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (2)

Like gumbo, jambalaya is a classic southern dish that reflects the rich blend of cultures, especially Spanish and French influences, that have shaped Louisiana’s past and present.

Filling, but easy to prepare, jambalaya is a simple dish and a go-to for busy weeknights.

Because it’s the kind of meal that is often thrown together with leftovers and kitchen pantry staples, there are tons of variations on classic jambalaya.

However, there are a few staple ingredients present in just about every recipe, including this vegan jambalaya. Celery, onion, and bell pepper, the “holy trinity” of cajun and creole cooking, are a must. Rice is also a pretty much invariable staple of this dish.

Traditionally, jambalaya features some kind of meat, often sausage. Since this is a vegan recipe, we’ve nixed the meat. But don’t worry, this recipe bursts with plenty of other filling ingredients and flavors, no meat necessary.

Tradition Meets Plant-Based

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (3)

With the exception of the meat, we’ve more or less stuck to a traditional jambalaya recipe. This healthy vegan recipe features the must-have holy trinity veggies, along with tomatoes and just about every spice in your pantry. From oregano and thyme, to paprika and cayenne, this zesty dish bursts with flavor. And if you like living on the spicy side, feel free to toss in a jalapeño pepper. We know some like it hot.

This jambalaya recipe also features three different kinds of beans to keep this meatless dish filling and protein-packed.

If you’re craving a little southern soul food, definitely give this simple vegan recipe a try. Filling, flavorful, and super healthy, this easy meal is a perfect midweek pick me up.

4.86 from 7 votes

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe

This classic Southern dish has gone Vegan, with nutrient-rich ingredients that taste phenomenal.

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Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 40 minutes minutes

Total Time 50 minutes minutes

Yield 10 people

Serving Size 1 cup

Course Dinner

Cuisine American, Southern

Author Chef Nichole

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (4)

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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 1/2 cup celery chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 jalapeno pepper small, minced (optional)
  • 1/2 cup green bell pepper chopped
  • 1/2 cup red bell pepper chopped
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 30 ounces diced tomatoes cans, no sugar added
  • 3 cups vegetable broth low-sodium
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 3 cups brown rice cooked
  • 15 ounces butter beans can, drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounces kidney beans can, drained and rinsed
  • 15 ounces black beans can, drained and rinsed
  • 1/4 cup cilantro fresh, chopped
  • 1/4 cup parsley fresh, chopped

Instructions

  • In a large soup pot, heat the olive oil on medium heat. Once hot, add the onion, celery, garlic, jalapeno, green, and red pepper. Cook until the onions and peppers are soft, stirring often, about 6 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute, stirring often.

  • Pour in the diced tomato and vegetable broth. Add the oregano, basil, thyme, paprika, chili powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Stir in the rice and all the beans. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

  • Stir in the cilantro and parsley, serve hot!

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 246kcal | Carbohydrates: 43g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 540mg | Fiber: 11g | Sugar: 5g |

SmartPoints (Freestyle): 3

Keywords dairy-free, Gluten-Free, Plant-Based, Vegan, Vegetarian

Have you made this recipe?
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More Vegan Recipes:

Baked Tofu Chunks with Cajun Spice Dry Rub

Can’t get enough of that spicy cajun flavor? This delicious baked tofu recipe is another meatless dish that bursts with traditional zesty cajun spices. Perfect on salads or wrapped in tortillas for a spicy, meatless taco recipe, swap in these baked tofu chunks anywhere you’d use meat.

Vegan Fusion Lunch Burritos

This fusion lunch burritos recipe will change the way you look at lunch! A serving of three of these will satisfy your stomach and leave you feeling good about having a super deliciously healthy meal.

Make your weekly meal planning easy. Follow us on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for new healthy recipes every day!

Healthy Jambalaya Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is jambalaya healthy to eat? ›

It easily lends itself to a healthy meal that is still low calorie. Luckily, the traditional ingredients used in jambalaya are pretty easy to accommodate in a healthy diet. This particular recipe capitalizes on using brown rice as opposed to using white rice, however.

What is the holy trinity of jambalaya? ›

The Holy Trinity is the Cajun and Creole counterpart to this trio, consisting of onion, celery, and rather than carrot, green bell peppers. Just like mirepoix, the Holy Trinity is one of the first things to hit the pan, acting as an aromatic base for dishes like Gumbo, Jambalaya, and Crawfish Étouffée.

How many calories are in a jambalaya? ›

Carbs in Jambalaya With Meat And Rice, Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya. Jambalaya With Meat And Rice, Chicken And Sausage Jambalaya (1 cup) contains 22.7g total carbs, 21.4g net carbs, 21.2g fat, 26.1g protein, and 393 calories.

What is the secret to a good jambalaya? ›

Black pepper, cayenne pepper, bay leaves, thyme, oregano, and hot sauce are the backbone of a great jambalaya. You can also add in some tomato paste or tomato powder, which creates a little sweetness.

What's the difference between Cajun jambalaya and jambalaya? ›

Cajun vs.

Creole jambalaya, also known as red jambalaya, contains tomatoes. Cajun or brown jambalaya does not. Jambalaya isn't thickened with roux, although some cooks do include a little skillet-browned flour.

What are the two types of jambalaya? ›

A hearty blend of rice, meats, vegetables, and lots of seasoning, jambalaya is a cold-weather comfort food that is sure to please everyone. There are two types of jambalaya: Cajun and Creole.

What is the best rice to use for jambalaya? ›

One of the biggest complaints when making jambalaya is that the rice ends up mushy. And there's two main culprits of this – choosing the wrong type of rice and over-stirring. For this recipe, you want long-grain white rice, like basmati or jasmine. Don't use short-grain rice.

What's the difference between gumbo and jambalaya? ›

Gumbo is really a soup or stew that's often served over a little rice, while jambalaya is made with the rice cooked into the dish, making the grain an integral part of it. In gumbo, there should be more liquid than rice, while jambalaya should not be liquid-y or mushy. "Jambalaya is a way to cook rice.

What are carrots, onions, and celery called? ›

The French flavor base called mirepoix is a combination of onion, carrot and celery generally cut to the same size. It's used in a ratio that's 2 parts onion to 1 part celery and carrot. Saute in Butter. Mirepoix is the start of many French dishes, such as coq au vin and lamb stew.

Is jambalaya black food? ›

Jambalaya (/ˌdʒæmbəˈlaɪə/ JAM-bə-LY-ə, /ˌdʒʌm-/ JUM-) is a savory rice dish of mixed origins that developed in the U.S. state of Louisiana apparently with African, Spanish, and French influences, consisting mainly of meat or seafood (or both), and vegetables mixed with rice and spices.

Is jambalaya a meal or side dish? ›

Jambalaya quickly becomes a complete meal with enough cornbread.

Do you cover jambalaya when cooking? ›

The pot will now contain the browned sausage, browned meat, caramelized vegetables, bouillon cubes, garlic, and the right amount of water. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it comes to a boil, either reduce to low heat and cover the pot or turn off the heat and cover the pot.

Should jambalaya have tomatoes? ›

Two main categories of jambalaya exist: Creole (or red) jambalaya, which is associated with the city of New Orleans and contains tomato, and Cajun (or brown) jambalaya, which contains no tomato and is more common in other parts of Louisiana. The recipe I'm focusing on here is the former, with tomato.

Should rice be rinsed for jambalaya? ›

If you don't rinse it away, the starch creates a gluey film as the rice cooks. Rinse away the extra starch and the rice will be sticky enough to fluff up, but not too gummy. If you've been having trouble achieving the “just right” texture with your rice, try adding the rinsing step to your prep.

Can you overcook jambalaya? ›

Problem: Complicated to make, jambalaya is usually overcooked and underseasoned. The dish is an unappealing mixture of rubbery shrimp, dry chicken, and gummy rice bound in a thin, watery tomato base. Goal: We wanted fluffy rice with perfectly cooked and seasoned chicken, shrimp, and sausage.

Is gumbo or jambalaya healthy? ›

Although the traditional cooking style of gumbo and jambalaya include several ingredients which are high in calories and sodium, there are several healthier choices available, like, using brown rice instead of white rice, sesame or walnut oil for less trans and saturated fat etc.

Is jambalaya high in cholesterol? ›

Jambalaya with meat and rice contains 5.4 g of saturated fat and 142 mg of cholesterol per serving. 244 g of Jambalaya with meat and rice contains 19.52 mcg vitamin A, 15.6 mg vitamin C, 0.49 mcg vitamin D as well as 2.73 mg of iron, 58.56 mg of calcium, 588 mg of potassium.

Is jambalaya considered soul food? ›

From the gardens that enslaved people nurtured to the newfound financial opportunity during the early days of emancipation, Black Americans created dishes that became — reductively — synonymous with Southern cuisine, like jambalaya, sweet potatoes and okra gumbo.

Is jambalaya a good protein? ›

The favorite choice for the term "Jambalaya" is 1 cup of Jambalaya with Meat and Rice which has about 26 grams of protein.

References

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