Traditionally, what makes Creole "dirty rice" dirty is the addition of fowl gizzards. Um, no thanks.

This vegan version is a whole lot healthier, but every bit as delicious. With hearty eggplant and a touch of Louisiana spice, this is a super-satisfying vegan recipe.

The recipe is not too spicy in itself, but you can make it that way. That's what Tabasco is for!

Variation

For a bright pop of color and protein, add 1 cup or more cooked edamame or green peas when adding the last ingredients.

More Recipes

For more ways to use brown rice, explore Classic Rice Dishes.
Here are more Creole classics, veg style.

Recipe contributed by Ellen Kanner. Ellen writes the Meatless Monday column for The Huffingon Post. Photos by Hannah Kaminsky.

Recipe

Southern Creole Dirty Rice, Vegan Style

5 from 4 votes

Chopped eggplant, a Louisiana crop, takes its place of traditional "dirty" ingredients in this super-satisfying veggie version.

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Prep Time: 15

Cook Time: 30

Total Time: 45

Servings: 6 to 8

Ingredients

1 ½ cups long-grain brown rice
1 32 oz container low-sodium vegetable broth
1 bay leaf
1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves garlic minced
1 large onion finely chopped
1 medium eggplant stemmed and diced
2 large celery stalks diced
1 green pepper finely diced
1 large tomato diced
2 teaspoon sweet or smoked paprika
1 handful fresh thyme leaves or 1 teaspoon dried
salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
juice of ½ to 1 lemon to taste
½ cup fresh parsley finely chopped
Tabasco or other hot sauce for passing around

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Pour 3 cups of the broth into a large saucepan. Place over high heat and bring liquid to boil. Add rice and bay leaf and give a quick stir. Cover and reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes or until rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed. Remove bay leaf and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the garlic, onion, and eggplant. Sauté for 5 to 8 minutes, or until the vegetables soften a bit.
Add the celery, green pepper, tomato, paprika, and thyme. Continue cooking for 5 to 8 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft but not overdone.
Stir in the cooked rice and remaining cup of broth. Reduce heat to medium and cook another 10 minutes until all the liquid is absorbed. The mixture should still be a bit moist, so if need be, add ½ to 1 cup water and allow to absorb a bit.
Stir in salt, pepper, lemon juice and parsley.
Serve at once; pass around Tabasco for spicing up individual servings. Keeps several days in the fridge, flavor improves over time.

Nutrition (Estimate per Serving)

Calories: 117kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 3gFat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 21mgPotassium: 380mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 745IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 1mg

Vegan-ize any recipe!Grab our free vegan cheat sheet, packed with my favorite easy substitutions to make any recipe vegan.