#NationalGumboDay: 10 Gumbo Recipes Full of Veggies!

What’s not to love about gumbo? The origins of this tasty cajun dish are as rich and deep as the dish itself. The rich, thick Gumbo stew was quite literally a melting pot of Louisiana culture. Who exactly pioneered the dish is subject to some debate, but what is known is that each generation of Louisiana immigrants and inhabitants added their cultural spin to the dish. The first documented reference to gumbo was in 1803 when it was served at a gubernatorial reception in New Orleans.

Typically prepared as a pot of sausage or seafood, there are only two rules when making gumbo. According to Stanley Dry, a gumbo must always contain rice, and it must always be thickened with something. The good news is this means plant-based gumbos are in!

We’ve rounded up the best vegan gumbo recipes to please even the zestiest and spiciest of palates. Bon Appetit!

1. Classic Louisiana-Style Red Bean Gumbo 

Source: Classic Louisiana-Style Red Bean Gumbo

This Classic Louisiana-Style Red Bean Gumbo by Lenia Patsi uses the protein and strong, meaty flavor of red beans to recreate this dish. Not only is it full of layers upon layers of flavor, but this dish only requires one pot.

2. Sausage Gumbo Red Bean Burgers With Quick Pickled Okra

Source: Sausage Gumbo Red Bean Burgers With Quick Pickled Okra

In this super savory patty, you’ll find red beans, celery, and spices to make it juicy and savory! These Sausage Gumbo Red Bean Burgers With Quick Pickled Okra are layered with roasted peppers, pickled okra, onions, and hot sauce. By Real Food Really Fast: Delicious Plant-Based Recipes Ready in 10 Minutes or Less

3. Meaty Gumbo 

Source: Meaty Gumbo

Betsy DiJulio‘s Meaty Gumbo is so filling, hearty, and full of flavor that you would never guess that meat was left off the plate! Impress your vegan and meat-eater friends alike with this dish!

4. One-Pot Louisiana Stew 

Source: One-Pot Louisiana Stew

This ‘Gumbo Adjacent’ One-Pot Louisiana Stew by Chris Bartis is inspired by Creole and Cajun flavors. The traditional rice is replaced with potatoes for an even richer, creamier, heartier meal

5. Spicy Gumbo 

Source: Spicy Gumbo

This Spicy Gumbo by Steven Seighman is extra warming and meaty with vegan chicken and sausages added to the mix. This is comfort food at its finest!

6. Spicy ‘Sausage’ and Cauliflower Gumbo 

Source: Spicy ‘Sausage’ and Cauliflower Gumbo

This Spicy ‘Sausage’ and Cauliflower Gumbo by Sara B. Allen is made with fresh cauliflower and an amazing blend of spices for a full-flavored experience. The ability of cauliflower to take on any flavor makes it the perfect vehicle for the smokey and multilayered flavor of the gravy. Serve this on a bed of steamed rice!

7. Breakfast Andouille Sausage With Biscuits

Source: Breakfast Andouille Sausage With Biscuits

Gumbo isn’t complete without Andouille Sausage. Try Ayinde Howell‘s Breakfast Andouille Sausage With Biscuits. You can prep the sausage a day or two in advance, and the biscuits are pretty quick as well. They can also be made in advance and frozen, then defrosted when you need them.

8. Crispy Spiced Cauliflower and Okra 

Source: Crispy Spiced Cauliflower and Okra

This spicy, crisp dish is the perfect side dish for your Gumbo adventures! You could even serve Renee Press’s Crispy Spiced Cauliflower and Okra over rice for a super simple, healthy gumbo all its own!

9. Slow Cooker Pulled Jackfruit Jambalaya 

Source: Slow Cooker Pulled Jackfruit Jambalaya

Jackfruit, cauliflower, rice, and lots of bold spices are all added to a slow cooker and hours later, you get to come home to a delicious meal with all the work done for you. Natalie Tamara‘s Jambalaya is ideal for any gumbo lover. Serve this Slow Cooker Pulled Jackfruit Jambalaya for the whole family!

10. Southern Stew 

Source: Southern Stew

This Southern Stew by Kayli Dice is packed with black beans, corn, and greens. This is how we do soul food! It has a creamy sweet potato base to tie the whole thing together.

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