Vegan Cajun Tofu Jambalaya

Jambalaya is a comforting, hearty, and flavorful dish, perfect for warming up on a chilly evening or impressing your loved ones. This vegan version swaps traditional meats for crispy, seasoned tofu, keeping all the bold Cajun flavors intact while being entirely plant-based. Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!

Ingredients

For the Cajun Tofu:

  • 1 block (14 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika

For the Jambalaya:

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (red, yellow, or green), diced
  • 2 celery stalks, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup long-grain white rice
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 vegan sausage (optional), sliced
  • 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Tofu

  1. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a bowl, toss the tofu cubes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and cornstarch.
  3. Spread the tofu on a lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Bake for 20-25 minutes or air-fry for 15 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the onion, bell pepper, and celery. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until softened.
  3. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Flavor

  1. Add the uncooked rice to the skillet and stir to coat it in the vegetable mixture.
  2. Stir in the diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, tomato paste, Cajun seasoning, thyme, smoked paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Cook the Jambalaya

  1. Bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and reduce the heat to low.
  2. Let it cook for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed.
  3. If using vegan sausage, add it to the pot in the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Step 5: Assemble

  1. Once the rice is cooked, gently fold in the crispy tofu.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

  1. Scoop the jambalaya into bowls and garnish with chopped green onions.
  2. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

  • Spice Level: Adjust the Cajun seasoning and smoked paprika to your heat preference. Add a dash of hot sauce if you love extra heat!
  • Protein Swap: You can substitute tofu with chickpeas or tempeh for variety.
  • Rice Type: Brown rice works well but will require a longer cooking time and additional broth.
  • Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 320
  • Protein: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fat: 9g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Iron: 3mg