Earth Balance Spreads - Made Just Right

Photo by Ms. Meanie

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Welcome to Fat Tuesday, the day Mardi Gras is celebrated in the city of New Orleans. What better way to join in on the excitement than with a Louisiana style Gumbo? Traditionally made with smoked ham or shrimp, we see no reason for vegetarians and vegans to miss out on this tasty stew!

We've got a recipe today adapted from Ms. Meanie at ChocolateChipsTrips, which she adapted from the original by Paul Deen. That's a whole lot of adaptations leading to one delicious dish! Feel free to add veggie sausage to the recipe for a heartier bite.

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 tablespoons Earth Balance® Buttery Spread, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 large onion, chopped
8 cloves garlic minced
2 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped
3 stalks celery chopped
1/4 cup Vegan Worcestershire sauce (purchased or use the recipe below)
1/4 bunch flat leaf parsley, stems and leaves, coarsely chopped, plus chopped leaves for garnish
4 cups hot water
4 vegetable bouillon cubes
1 (14-ounce can) diced tomatoes with juice
2 cups frozen sliced okra
1/2 lb tofu, well drained and diced into cubes
Vegan sour cream (optional)

Directions:
1. Create a roux. Heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the flour, add 2 tablespoons of Earth Balance Buttery® Spread, and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until brown, about 10 minutes. Let the roux cool.

2. Return the pot to low heat and melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of Earth Balance® Buttery Spread. Add the onion, garlic, green pepper and celery and cook for 10 minutes.

3. Add the Worcestershire sauce, salt and pepper, to taste and the 1/4 bunch parsley. Cook, while stirring frequently, for 10 minutes.

4. Add 4 cups hot water and bouillon cubes, whisking constantly. Add the tofu. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes.

5. Add tomatoes and okra. Cover and simmer for 1 hour. Just before serving add the green onions and remaining chopped parsley. To serve, top with vegan sour cream (optional).

Vegan Worcestershire Sauce Recipes (makes about 1/4 cup)
Ingredients:
1 1/2 Tablespoons water
1 Tablespoon soy sauce
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon blackstrap molasses or tamarind paste
1/2 teaspoon powdered ginger
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
a pinch of onion powder
a pinch of powdered cloves or pumpkin pie spice

Stir together all ingredients.

What's your favorite Southern style dish? Let us know in the comments for a chance to win the Everyday Giveaway for free Earth Balance®!