Mardi Gras Veggie Jambalaya (Printable)
Discover a vibrant, flavor-packed Creole rice dish. Bursting with colorful vegetables and bold spices, ideal for any festive gathering.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup okra, sliced (fresh or frozen)
→ Rice & Beans
10 - 1.5 cups long-grain white rice
11 - 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes, with juices
12 - 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
13 - 3 cups vegetable broth
→ Spices & Seasonings
14 - 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
15 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
18 - 1 teaspoon salt
19 - 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
20 - 2 bay leaves
→ Garnish
21 - 0.25 cup chopped fresh parsley
22 - 2 green onions, sliced
23 - Lemon wedges (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and celery stalks. Sauté for 5 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften.
02 - Stir in minced garlic, diced zucchini, and sliced okra. Continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
03 - Add the long-grain white rice to the pot and toast for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent sticking and develop a nutty aroma.
04 - Mix in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), rinsed and drained kidney beans, vegetable broth, smoked paprika, dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and bay leaves. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to combine.
05 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot tightly and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the rice is tender and all liquid has been absorbed.
06 - Carefully remove and discard the bay leaves from the pot. Fluff the cooked rice with a fork. Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and adjust seasoning as necessary to taste.
07 - Serve the Mardi Gras Veggie Jambalaya hot, garnished generously with chopped fresh parsley, sliced green onions, and optional lemon wedges for a bright finish.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- You'll adore how effortlessly this dish transforms simple vegetables into a spectacular, deeply flavorful meal.
- It's a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, plant-based dinner that truly satisfies, especially on those evenings when you crave something both comforting and exciting.
02 -
- The secret to perfectly cooked, fluffy jambalaya rice is to let it simmer undisturbed once covered; lifting the lid releases steam and prolongs cooking.
- Toasting the dry rice grains for a couple of minutes before adding liquids deeply enhances their nutty flavor and helps them cook up beautifully firm yet tender.
03 -
- For the most authentic flavor, ensure your dried spices are fresh and fragrant; old spices lose their punch.
- To avoid mushy rice, always use the correct liquid-to-rice ratio and resist lifting the lid during the crucial simmering phase.