The Best Jambalaya Recipe with creole seasoning and smokey paprika. Hearty, warming and healthy, this vegan jambalaya recipe with Brown Rice is perfect for those comforting nights in with your partner!
We walked out of the hospital and entered the car in silence. He was holding my hand fiercely as if terrified that at any minute I would float away. I was scared of floating away. We started the car and drove in silence. Interrupting the stillness I blurted “I won’t have radiation therapy“. It almost sounded as if I was yelling. He was calm, collected. The same characteristic that I find both intriguing and at times infuriating. Silence.
I have been quiet on my blog recently. I considered keeping what has been happening to myself, but then I was reminded that other people share the same journey, the same fears and the same pain. Unfortunately, I am not alone. And so my diagnosis is an opportunity to connect with people who may be going through similar circumstances.
After four gruelling days of a low-fibre diet and fasting, I had a routine colonoscopy to investigate some of the problems I’ve been having with my stomach. The biopsy itself was meant to last thirty minutes but I was sedated for four hours.
They found 8 premalignant tumours ranging in size, 1cm to 2cm in my large intestine. Due to my age and the number found the doctors suspect I have a genetic condition called “Serrated Polyposis Syndrome”. By the time I am 35 – 40 I will have a 25 to 40% chance of being diagnosed with colon cancer.
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of reading medical journals, causes and treatments. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t scared.
I will find out the results and if the cells are cancerous in a fortnight. In the meantime, I find comfort in my partner’s arms and in a warming bowl of Vegan Brown Rice Jambalaya with Aubergine.
For me, the dish evokes joy. My partner and I frequently visit a jazz bar in the city called Doo-Bop. While watching the show around small candle-lit tables, the restaurant serves hearty dishes inspired by New Orleans. Although their meals are typically decadent and very meaty, this is my take on the traditional Jambalaya.
Put on some jazz, light a candle and pour a glass of full-bodied wine, perhaps a Syrah, while preparing this recipe. Most importantly, savour every second of the process and enjoy!
Life is meant to be lived, it’s not meant to be treated as a chore.
The Best Jambalaya Recipe with Brown Rice
Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 brown onion
- 4 garlic cloves peeled and crushed
- 2 aubergines peel 3 stripes on the flesh and cut into 3cm-sized cubes
- 2 green capsicums finely cubed
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp dried thyme optional
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 cup brown rice soaked overnight
- 420 g can whole Italian tomatoes
- 500 ml water
Equipment
- chopping board
- knife
- measuring cups and spoons
- medium-sized pot
Instructions:
- Pre-warm the 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a medium-sized pot over medium-high heat. Add the cubed aubergine and cook covered for approximately 10 – 15 minutes, occasionally pushing down on the aubergine pieces to release the liquid.
- Once cooked, add an additional tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil, brown onions and green capsicum and cook for 5 minutes. Once cooked, push the vegetables to the outer diameter revealing the pan below, add the garlic and spices, cook for 1 minute and then mix through the vegetables.
- Add the brown rice and toast for 1 minute until including the Italian Tomatoes and water. Cover and cook for 30 minutes, or until the rice is el dente.
Nutrition:
Disclosure:
Equipment: This recipe may contain links to products and equipment that I use and love myself. The links may contain affiliate links, meaning if you click the link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission, at no additional cost to you.
Nutrition: The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator and does not include any other condiments or garnishes. Although Curated Life Studio attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered as estimates and do not replace or substitute a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Loved This Recipe?
It would make my day if you left a comment below, or shared this post with your friends and family!
Hey There, I’m Kylie. My passion is plant-based recipes and I want to help you create something gorgeous!
I believe in taking a slow approach to food – to eat locally, seasonally and consciously.
When I’m not taking photos, you can find me wandering the coastal paths of South-East Australia.
Joanna Richards says
I can tell you that you can come out the other side of cancer and have a good life from my own experience, even in the worse case. I hope it never goes that far for you, don’t let the numbers scare you too much. Being ill forced me to make choices about how I wanted to live and I’d never have had the happy life I love now without a serious shake up. Look after yourself and let others look after you too. Keep the faith, stay positive, sending love and very best wishes. Joanna. X
Kylie (Author) says
Joanna, I’m sorry to hear of your experience. I’m grateful to hear that you’re come away with such a beautiful and positive outlook.
“Let others look after you too” is definitely a reminder I need.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write, to share some of your journey and for your encouraging and beautiful words. It’s made my day and they mean more to me than you could possibly realise. ?x
Amanda says
Wow! This sounds so good!! I really like Jambalaya but I have never had vegan Jambalaya – I’ll definitely need to try it!
Kylie (Author) says
Thanks Amanda! I would love to hear how it goes! 🙂
Ashley says
I am so sad to hear that you are going through a rough patch!
I hope that your results come back on a positive note and that you are able to continue to live life to fullest for many, many years.
I am about to go and make a hearty meal for my family and I will be thinking of you while I do it.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comment Ashley, I’m grateful to have recieved such warm and supportive comments like yours.
Heather says
You are one tough cookie! I love your honesty and your determination. Fight on!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Heather! 🙂
Cia Black says
Yum. I don’t even think I would miss the meat and seafood with this recipe. It just looks so yummy.
Kylie (Author) says
Absolutely! The aubergine adds a hearty element so it isn’t missed at all!
Rose Ann Sales says
I am not a vegetarian but this dish looks really delicious and looks so easy to prepare, thanks for sharing!
Kylie (Author) says
My pleasure Rose! I hope you enjoyed it! 🙂
Megan says
This looks way too delicious, I need to try this like… ASAP! On my weekend list. x
Kylie (Author) says
Thanks Megan! I would love to hear how it goes!
Nicole says
Please keep us posted on your journey. You are so young, I’m hopeful that your doctors will be able to find a way to help you move past this and have a long and healthy life.
Kylie (Author) says
I’m completely overwhelmed by your sweet message Nicole. Thank you so much for your wishes!
Evelyn Hernandez says
Jambalaya is one of my favourite dishes, we do love to add shrimp and extra hot sauce to ours.
Kylie (Author) says
Hot sauce sounds like a great addition! Thanks for the recommendation Evelyn!
Melissa Sanchez says
Not only does this look amazing and mouthwatering, but those photographs are stunning.
I can’t believe its vegan, yum!!!
Kylie (Author) says
Thanks for your comment Melissa! My partner absolutely loves this dish and doesn’t believe it’s vegan either!
Trisha Mishra says
This looks wonderful. The recipe looks promising and I am going to try it real soon. Also accept my complements on your great food photography. I am loving the pictures.
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much Trisha – I’m glad you like my photos!
Karla says
Your story is very encouraging, having a disease like cancer is very scary but you are strong and a fighter. Keep going! I know you can make it! I hope you’ll get well soon!
Your Jambalaya looks so delicious and a very healthy recipe! Thank you for this post!
Kylie (Author) says
Thank you so much for your warm and thoughtful message Karla, it means the absolute world to me!
I hope you enjoy the recipe! <3
Elisha Fernandez says
YUM! I have made vegan jambalaya before and it was so good. I love your recipe and I will be trying it!
Kylie (Author) says
Thanks for your comment Elisha! I would love to hear how you go!
Bespoke Traveler says
“Life is meant to be lived, it’s not meant to be treated as a chore.” Your perspective is always such an inspiration to me as are the dishes you create. May you find the strength and comfort you need during this difficult time. I shall be thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
Kylie (Author) says
Your kindness has been so humbling – thank you so much for checking in, for your support and messages they mean more to me than you realise! Safe travels! I’m looking forward to reading your posts! 🙂