Mardi Gras Vegetable Jambalaya (Printable)
Spicy, colorful rice dish featuring fresh vegetables and rich Cajun flavors for festive meals.
# What You’ll Need:
→ Fresh Vegetables
01 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 2 celery stalks, diced
06 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
07 - 1 medium zucchini, diced
08 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
09 - 1 cup okra, sliced (optional)
10 - 1 cup frozen or fresh green peas
→ Rice & Liquids
11 - 1 ½ cups long-grain white rice
12 - 3 cups vegetable broth
13 - 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, with juices
→ Spices & Seasonings
14 - 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
15 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
16 - ½ teaspoon dried thyme
17 - ½ teaspoon dried oregano
18 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
19 - 1 bay leaf
20 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnishes
21 - 2 green onions, sliced
22 - ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
23 - Lemon wedges, for serving
# How To Make It:
01 - Heat olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, green and red bell peppers, and celery. Sauté for 5–7 minutes until softened.
02 - Stir in garlic, zucchini, and okra (if using). Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
03 - Add the rice, stirring to coat grains with oil and vegetables.
04 - Pour in diced tomatoes (with juices) and vegetable broth. Mix in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, thyme, oregano, cayenne, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper.
05 - Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
06 - Add cherry tomatoes and green peas. Cover and cook for another 10 minutes, or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
07 - Remove from heat, discard bay leaf, and fluff rice with a fork. Garnish with green onions and parsley. Serve with lemon wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in one pot, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying the vibrant flavors
- The vegetable medley creates layers of texture that make every bite interesting and satisfying
02 -
- Resist the urge to lift the lid too often during the initial simmer, steam is what cooks the rice evenly
- Letting the pot rest off heat for those final 5 minutes makes the difference between fluffy and gummy rice
03 -
- Toast your spices in the hot oil for 30 seconds before adding vegetables for next level flavor
- Use a wide pot rather than a tall narrow one, the rice cooks more evenly with more surface area