Vegan Gumbo with Okra Recipe
This gumbo is thick, bold, and packed with Southern charm—without the seafood. Okra brings the perfect texture, while smoky spices add serious depth. It’s rich, hearty, and warms your soul like a cozy blanket. Plus, it’s the easiest way to feel fancy while basically just throwing veggies into a pot. Serve it over rice, grab a spoon, and prepare for compliments. Even your most skeptical, meat-loving relatives will ask for seconds. Bonus: it’s budget-friendly, protein-packed, and so satisfying you’ll forget it’s 100% plant-based. Who knew comfort food could be this guilt-free?
Vegan Gumbo with Okra Recipe
A rich, smoky Louisiana-inspired gumbo with okra, veggies, and bold Creole spices. Perfect for a cozy, soul-warming dinner.
Ingredients
For the Gumbo:
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 3 celery stalks diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 cups fresh okra sliced
- 1 can 14 oz diced tomatoes
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 3 cups cooked rice
- Green onions chopped
- Hot sauce optional
Instructions
Make the Roux:
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Stir in the flour and whisk continuously for 5–7 minutes.
- Once golden brown, add onion, bell pepper, and celery.
Cook the Veggies:
- Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
- Stir in garlic, okra, and diced tomatoes.
Build the Flavor:
- Pour in vegetable broth and stir well.
- Add kidney beans, paprika, cayenne, thyme, oregano, soy sauce, salt, and pepper.
Simmer and Serve:
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Ladle over rice and top with green onions.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Total Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 10g
Vitamins & Minerals (Per Serving)
- Iron: 22%
- Vitamin A: 15%
- Vitamin C: 20%
- Magnesium: 18%
- Potassium: 25%
Tips for the Best Gumbo
- Stir the roux constantly to prevent burning.
- Use frozen okra if fresh isn’t available.
- A splash of hot sauce takes it to the next level.
