Mardi Gras Veggie Jambalaya (Printable)

Spicy Creole-inspired jambalaya with colorful veggies, hearty beans, and fragrant spices for vibrant meals.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

→ Beans

09 - 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
10 - 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Rice

11 - 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice, rinsed
12 - 3 cups vegetable broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

13 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
14 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 - 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
16 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
17 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish

19 - 2 green onions, sliced
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
21 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
02 - Add the onion, bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until softened.
03 - Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
04 - Add zucchini and cherry tomatoes; cook for another 3–4 minutes.
05 - Mix in the Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the vegetables.
06 - Add the rice to the pot and stir for 1 minute to toast slightly.
07 - Pour in the vegetable broth, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir to combine.
08 - Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
09 - Remove from heat. Let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork and adjust seasonings if needed.
10 - Garnish with green onions, parsley, and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Its a one pot meal that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank
  • The spice blend hits that perfect balance between warming and genuinely exciting
  • Leftovers actually improve overnight as the flavors deepen
02 -
  • Resist the urge to peek while it simmers, trapped steam equals perfectly cooked rice
  • The resting period is not optional, it prevents gummy texture every time
03 -
  • Rinse your rice until the water runs clear for the best texture
  • Let your Cajun seasoning bloom in the hot oil before adding liquids

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