VEGAN GUMBO

This Vegan Gumbo brings all the rich, bold flavors of classic Cajun cuisine — without the meat! Made with a deeply savory roux, fresh vegetables like okra, bell peppers, celery, and onions, and hearty plant-based sausage or beans, this gumbo is thick, comforting, and 100% satisfying. It’s the perfect cozy one-pot meal that simmers with smoky spices, a kick of heat, and a soul-warming depth that tastes even better the next day.
Whether you serve it over rice or enjoy it straight from the bowl, this recipe is a must-have for cooler nights, Southern-inspired dinners, or anyone looking for an easy yet flavorful vegan meal.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup vegan butter or neutral oil (e.g. avocado or olive oil)
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (for roux)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Cajun or Creole seasoning
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup sliced okra (fresh or frozen)
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans or chickpeas, drained
• 2 vegan sausages, sliced 
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Cooked white or brown rice, for serving
• Chopped green onions or parsley, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Make the roux, In a large pot or Dutch oven, melt vegan butter (or heat oil) over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for about 10–15 minutes until the mixture turns deep golden brown—be careful not to burn it.
   
2. Stir in onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
   
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, and Cajun seasoning. Cook 2 minutes more.
4. Pour in the vegetable broth and add okra. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add vegan sausage slices and beans. Simmer uncovered for 25–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot over cooked rice and garnish with chopped green onions or parsley.

Serving Suggestions:

• Over rice with a splash of hot sauce
• With cornbread on the side
• Top with a spoonful of vegan sour cream or avocado slices for richness

Tips:

• For Thicker gumbo, Simmer longer uncovered.
• Add lentils or tofu for more protein
• For spicy kick Try Tabasco or Crystal hot sauce.
• Tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep!
  

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🖨️ Printable recipe/ Download PDF

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