- fastingandfitnessu
Red Bean Gumbo | Lunch
Long, gentle cooking in a slow cooker is a great way to bring out the flavours in a
gumbo, in which okra and filé powder are natural thickeners. For a heartier
gumbo, add some sliced and sautéed vegan sausage just before serving. This
recipe is both gluten-free (without the optional vegan sausage) and soy-free (if
you use a soy-free vegan butter for the optional beurre manié).

SLOW COOKER SIZE: 4- TO 6-QUART
COOK TIME: 6 TO 8 HOURS ON LOW
GLUTEN-FREE
SOY-FREE
Ingredients
2 teaspoons olive oil (optional)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
2 celery ribs, chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced
4 cups vegetable broth
1 (14-ounce) can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, with their juices
3 cups cooked dark red kidney beans or other red beans or 2 (15-ounce)
cans beans, rinsed and drained
1 small green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 cup sliced fresh or thawed frozen okra
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon filé powder (optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
½ recipe Slow-Cooked Vegan Sausage Links or 2 purchased vegan sausage links, such as Tofurky
brand, sliced (optional)
1 teaspoon Tabasco sauce, or to taste
½ teaspoon liquid smoke
1 tablespoon beurre manié or another thickener (optional)
3 cups cooked brown rice, for serving
Instructions
1. For the best flavour, heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the onion, celery, and garlic and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
Alternatively, omit the oil and sauté these ingredients in a few tablespoons
of water or combine them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water,
cover, and microwave for 2 minutes.
2. Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker, add the broth, tomatoes and
their juices, beans, bell pepper, okra, thyme, filé powder (if using), and salt
and pepper to taste. Cover and cook on Low for 6 hours.
3. Meanwhile, sauté the sausage, if using, and set aside.
4. Taste the gumbo and adjust the seasonings. Just before serving, stir in the
Tabasco and liquid smoke. If the gumbo isn’t thick enough, turn the cooker
to High and stir in the beurre manié, stirring until the broth thickens. Add
the sautéed sausage slices, if using. To serve, spoon some cooked rice into
soup bowls and ladle the hot gumbo on top.