You must try this delicious, plant-based version of the Cajun classic! Vegan Chickpea Etouffee is full of Southern flavor, easy to make, and cheap too.
Being from Louisiana, Etouffee was definitely at the top of my list for recipes to veganize. If you are not from Louisiana, you may be asking yourself- what the heck is Etouffee?
Simply put, Etouffee is a spicy stew typically made with shellfish, vegetables, and roux. Before adopting a vegan diet, I made etouffee in many different ways, usually involving some type of seafood and ALWAYS the Cajun Trinity.
The Cajun Trinity consists of celery, onion, and bell pepper. This combination is the base of most Cajun and Creole dishes. These vegetables are used as "seasoning" vegetables, as they impart a wonderful flavor unique to Cajun cooking. The smell of these vegetables while sautéing makes me feel warm and fuzzy, reminding me of childhood.
Veganizing this dish was not difficult at all. I simply replaced the shellfish with chickpeas and the butter with olive oil. Also, I didn't go with a typical roux; you know, the kind made with oil and flour that you STIR, STIR, STIR. Nah, that wasn't necessary for this dish. And this recipe couldn't be easier!
How to make Vegan Chickpea Etouffee
You start by sautéing your veggies in olive oil until nice and soft, about 15 minutes. Then to thicken it, I add flour along with the canned chickpeas (undrained) and tomato paste.
Next, you add a bit of vegetable broth, Vegan Worcestershire, and Cajun Seasoning. The Whole Foods brand of Worcestershire is vegan and super cheap. And it's sold on Amazon.
There are several brands of Cajun Seasoning on the market. The one that I linked is my favorite and the one I used for this dish.
This dish loves spice, so feel free to use some cayenne or crushed red pepper. I love it super spicy! But sometimes, I will omit the cayenne if the kiddos are eating it.
Add salt to taste. I add a bit because I use salt-free chickpeas and low sodium vegetable broth. Keep in mind that the Cajun Seasoning does have some salt in it.
What to serve with vegan etouffee
Serve Vegan Chickpea Etouffee over rice and garnish with green onions.
And don't forget the hot sauce! A dash of hot sauce is a must for me. To get the authentic Cajun experience, try Tabasco Hot Sauce . It's perfect with this dish.
Want more vegan recipes?
Check these out:
Southern Vegan Blackberry Cobbler
Easy Vegan Pineapple Tofu Curry
I hope you try this super easy recipe for vegan chickpea etouffee! And if you do, please let me know what you think in the comments!
Happy Eating
Crystal
📖 Recipe
Vegan Chickpea Etouffee
Ingredients
- 1 cup rice
- 1 yellow onion diced
- 1 bell pepper diced
- 3 stalk celery diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 ½ tablespoon flour
- ½ cup vegetable broth low sodium
- 14 oz chickpeas canned undrained
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning see here
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ tablespoon vegan worcestershire sauce see here
- ¼ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne optional
- 2 green onion for garnish (optional)
- dash Cajun Hot Sauce see here, optional
Instructions
- Prepare rice according to package.
- Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the bell pepper, onion, and celery. Sauté stirring frequently until vegetables are soft (about 15 minutes).
- Add the minced garlic and Cajun seasoning. Stir for a minute or two.
- Add the canned chickpeas with the water.
- Add the flour one tablespoon at a time, stirring constantly.
- Stir in the tomato paste until well combined.
- Last, add the Worcestershire and vegetable broth.
- Simmer for 10 minutes or until thickened.
- Serve over rice and garnish with green onions and Cajun Hot Sauce.
- Happy Eating!
Jeannie says
I love everything with rice and this chickpea recipe looks so good. I love a good easy, cheap, hearty meal
Tavo says
I love cajun food and this chickpea stew was delicious! Definitely making it again!
Michelle says
OMG this was soooo good. It’s a family staple now!
Chantry says
I've been looking for a new way to make chickpeas, and this is PERFECT! So good! Thank you!
Crystal Yentzen says
You're welcome!
nancy says
thanks for introducing me to this spicy stew!
Crystal Yentzen says
You're welcome!
Katie says
Such a delicious vegan recipe! I already can't wait to make this again!
Shilpa says
This is so flavourful and delicious. Love it!
Jacqui says
Such a delicious and easy to make recipe!
Angela says
The best recipe! A go to recipe for me that always turns out great.
Crystal Yentzen says
I'm so happy you like the etouffee! And thank you so much for commenting!