Vegan Gumbo with Okra and Red Beans

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-09 · Updated 2026-08-09

A hearty vegan gumbo simmered with smoky spices, tender red beans, and fresh okra. This American Southern-inspired vegan recipe, ready in about 70 minutes, pairs olive oil, all-purpose flour, yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large, diced yellow onion
• 1, diced green bell pepper
• 3, diced celery stalks
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 6 cups vegetable broth
• 2 cups cooked red kidney beans
• 2 cups sliced fresh okra
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tsp file powder (optional)
• 1 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 4 cups for serving cooked brown rice

The stock pot we’d simmer this in → Best Stock Pots for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large heavy-bottom pot over medium heat, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil and 1/4 cup all-purpose flour to make a roux. Cook, stirring constantly for 10-12 minutes until it turns a dark caramel color and smells nutty.
2. Step 2: Add 1 large diced yellow onion, 1 diced green bell pepper, 3 diced celery stalks, and 4 minced garlic cloves to the roux. Sauté for 7-8 minutes until vegetables are softened.
3. Step 3: Stir in 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tbsp smoked paprika, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in 6 cups vegetable broth, scraping the bottom to loosen any browned bits. Add 2 cups cooked red kidney beans, 2 cups sliced fresh okra, and 2 bay leaves.
5. Step 5: Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered for 30 minutes until the gumbo thickens and okra is tender. Season with 1 1/2 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Remove bay leaves and sprinkle 1 tsp file powder if using.
6. Step 6: Serve hot over 4 cups cooked brown rice for a nourishing vegan meal.