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One-Pot Vegan Gumbo
Satisfying, warming, flavorful, rich and so hearty! When you want to eat a comforting meal this delicious vegan Gumbo is simply perfect. Especially during the cold months when most people are craving warming soups and stews. But I also enjoy eating it when it’s hot because comforting dishes are my favorite! Eating a big bowl of a hearty stew is pure joy! This plant-based recipe is made in one pot, it’s gluten-free and easy to make! This is not a classic Gumbo recipe made with meat, seafood and roux! I made my own twist by using wholesome plant-based ingredients only.
Made With Okra, Beans & Lentils
Gumbo is a Creole stew which is popular in Louisiana, a South East state of the United States of America, and it’s even the official state cuisine. A classic Gumbo consists primarily of meat and/or seafood. My vegan Gumbo recipe contains lentils, beans, and what Louisianians call the “Holy Trinity” of vegetables, namely celery, bell peppers, and onions. I also added some other ingredients which add a wonderful flavor. In my opinion, there is no need to cook this dish with meat and fish. A meat-free version is equally tasty (or even more delicious) and it also contains plenty of plant-based protein because of the lentils and beans!
Easy Vegan Gumbo Recipe
This recipe is seriously so easy to make. All you need to do is chop the veggies, put all ingredients in a pot and wait until the vegan Gumbo is ready. I used brown lentils but green lentils should be fine too. They might take some minutes more to cook but that’s no problem at all. You should be also able to make this recipe in an instant pot. I haven’t tried it out yet but I will soon because I am going to order an instant pot and can’t wait to receive it. I will update the recipe once I cook this meal in the instant pot.
This Vegan Gumbo Is:
- Hearty
- Flavorful
- Warming
- Plant-based
- Gluten-free
- Easy to make
- Satisfying
- Low in fat
- Roux-free
Made Without Roux
As I mentioned before, this is not a classic Gumbo recipe. I made it without a roux, without meat, sausage, and shrimp. Maybe you never heard of roux before. Roux is made with flour and either oil or bacon drippings (which is something I do NOT want to eat, especially the latter!). It’s used to thicken soups and stews and most Gumbo recipes contain a roux. I didn’t make it because, in my opinion, it’s much healthier to thicken a Gumbo with lentils and okra. Lentils add fiber, plant-based protein, and texture, that’s why I love using them in so many recipes.
How to serve
I prefer to eat this vegetarian Gumbo with rice, however, it also tastes delicious with potatoes or bread. This recipe serves 4 and you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. This dish is also great for meal prep, to take to work and uni.
If you make this delicious vegan Gumbo then please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And if you even take a photo of it, then I would love to see it. You can DM it to me on Instagram. Don’t forget to tag me in your Insta caption + photo with @elavegan and use the hashtag #elavegan and I will gladly check out your post. If you love hearty dinner recipes, definitely also check out this hearty lentil soup!
Vegan Gumbo
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 celery stalk, diced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 5 oz mushrooms, sliced (140 g)
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Spices: 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp onion powder, 3/4 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika powder, 3/4 tsp turmeric powder, 1 tsp brown sugar, sea salt, and pepper to taste
- 1 cup dry lentils (I used brown)
- 3 cups of vegetable broth
- 2 dried bay leaves
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes (400 g)
- 1 1/2 cups okra chopped (150 g)
- 15 oz can of kidney beans or cooked beans of choice (approx. 250 g)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce (gluten-free if needed)
- 1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk to thicken (optional)
- Fresh herbs e.g. parsley to garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a pot over medium heat and add the chopped onion, celery, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Cook for 5 minutes, then add garlic and cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add the spices, the lentils, and broth and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Now add the bay leaves and cook the vegan Gumbo with a lid on for about 15 minutes.
- Then add the crushed tomatoes and okra and stir. Let the Gumbo simmer for a further 10-15 minutes or until the lentils are cooked but not mushy.
- Finally, add the soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, and the cooked beans.
- You can also mix 1 tsp of cornstarch with 1-2 tbsp plant-based milk and add it to the Gumbo to thicken.
- Taste it, if you want it spicier, add more red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to taste.
- Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy! Can be served with rice, potatoes or bread.
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Hello dear,
Am from Bangalore, India.
Happy to see such a lovely vegan recipes.
One question, pls let me know the other options to thicken sauces?? I generally use fresh coconut cream/milk.
Would be honoured to hear from you.
Thank you
Hey! I use a mix of cornstarch and coconut milk. Works best for me. 🙂
Ela! I love the spice combinations you use! Really makes the recipe explode with flavor! Dee xx
Thank you very much, Dee! So glad you like it. Have a great weekend. 🙂
I live in France and can’t get Okra. What would be a good substitute?
That’s difficult. You could either leave it out or add zucchini/courgette instead.
Thanks! I’ll try it with zucchini then!
There is a lot of exotic shops in Paris to find okra.
Go to “château rouge”, you’ll find it for sure
Made this recipe last night and it was AMAZING!!! My fiancé loved it too! Looking forward to trying many more
Awesome! Thanks a lot for your feedback, Courtney! 🙂
This lentil curry looks fantastic, Ela! And I love that it contains so many healthy ingredients! Definitely a great recipe! 🙂
Lots of love,
Bianca❤️
Thank you, Bianca! I hope you will give it a try. ❤️
I just ate okra yesterday. It’s rare I eat them because my husband don’t really like it but your recipe seem amazing!! And without a roux it’s even better. I’ll really try to try it ahah!! Kisses
Great! I hope you will love it, Anne. 🙂
I love hearty stews, they’re a hug to the soul. Will try this one for sure Ela. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing recipe. And I do have all of these ingredients at home, minus the Okra.
Wonderful! Thank you, Marta 🙂
I want to give this more than 5 stars!!! My husband and I both kept saying “Wow!” as we ate this. It is so rich and hearty and flavourful. It got the thumbs up from my teenage sons too. I have already been telling everyone about this recipe and will continue to do so!
Wow, that’s wonderful! So happy you all enjoyed this dish! Thank you, Bea!! 🙂
This gumbo was so yummy! My non plant-based husband discovered the recipe and asked me to make. We both loved it and he even wants it on the “make again” rotation!! Thank you for sharing your gift of healthy food creations!!
I am so happy you enjoyed the recipe, Katie! Thanks for your feedback! 🙂