1. Cook the Vegan Bacon:
- In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Smart Life bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
- In the same pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant. The amount of garlic can be adjusted to your liking.
3. Create the Roux:
- Push the sautéed onions to the sides of the pan, creating a well in the center. Add the flour to the center and stir continuously to cook the flour. Let it brown slightly, which will help develop the flavor of the dish.
4. Add butter and Stock:
- Incorporate the Earth Balance butter into the browned flour mixture, stirring until melted and combined. Gradually add the vegetable stock, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Continue adding stock until you have a thick paste.
5. Cook the Green Beans:
- Add the green beans to the thickened sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. Pour in the remaining vegetable stock, covering the green beans. Let the mixture simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the green beans to start cooking.
6. Add Potatoes and Seasonings:
- Stir in the diced potatoes and your preferred Cajun seasoning mix. You can adjust the seasoning levels to taste, adding more spices if you prefer a spicier dish.
7. Simmer Until Done:
- Continue cooking the mixture, allowing the potatoes to soften and the gravy to thicken. The flavors will meld together during this time, creating a rich and savory sauce.
8. Serve Over Rice:
- Once the potatoes are tender and the gravy has reached your desired consistency, the dish is ready. Serve the spicy smothered green beans and potatoes over a bed of cooked rice.
Additional Tips
- Bacon Alternatives: If you don’t have Smart Life bacon, any other vegan bacon or smoked tempeh can work as a substitute.
- Thickening the Gravy: If the gravy isn’t thick enough, let it simmer uncovered to reduce further. If it’s too thick, add a bit more vegetable stock or water.
- Serving Suggestions: This dish pairs well with a side of cornbread or a simple green salad.
This flavorful and hearty vegan dish is perfect for a comforting meal, bringing together a medley of spices and textures. Enjoy it as a main course or as a side dish at your next gathering!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Total Fat: 15-18g
- Saturated Fat: 2-3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg (vegan recipe)
- Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on seasoning and stock)
- Total Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Dietary Fiber: 7-9g
- Sugars: 4-6g
- Protein: 8-10g
Key Nutrients
- Vitamin A: Provided by green beans and potatoes.
- Vitamin C: From the potatoes and green beans.
- Calcium: From the vegetable stock and green beans.
- Iron: From the green beans, potatoes, and nutritional yeast (if added).
These values are estimates and can vary. The dish is relatively low in calories while being rich in fiber and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious choice for a plant-based meal. Adjustments to portion size, seasoning, and additional ingredients will impact the nutritional content.
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