Smoky sweet potato jambalaya

Smoky sweet potato jambalaya

Soft, sticky sweet potatoes are at the heart of this Louisiana-style soul food feast, which also features green pepper, baby tomatoes and wholesome brown rice, simmered in a rich tomato sauce that’s perked up with garlic, oregano, smoked paprika and a sprinkling of chilli flakes.

SWK: Source of fibre Plants 6

Serving size

Cook time: 35 mins
Cuisine: American
Food group: Vegan
Allergens: Celery

Cooking Instructions

The protein cooking time listed in this recipe has been updated.

As of December 2025, we’ve revised cooking times for all our proteins to reflect improved food safety guidance.

Check out the latest recommended times in our Cooking Guidelines.

Before you start

  • Roasting tray
  • Saucepan
  • Large non stick frying pan

Boil the rice

  • Heat your oven to 220ºC/fan 200ºC/gas 7/air fryer 200ºC.
  • Cook the rice in boiling water for 25-30 mins, then drain.

Get the sweet potatoes in the oven

  • Meanwhile, cut the sweet potatoes into 2cm cubes, put them on a baking tray lined with baking paper (or into the air-fryer basket) and spritz with cooking spray. Roast for 20-25 mins (air-fry for 18-20 mins), until soft and golden.

Peel, dice & fry

  • At the same time, peel and finely dice the onions. Deseed the peppers and dice into 1cm squares.
  • Spritz a large non-stick frying pan with cooking spray and put it over a medium-high heat. Fry the onions, peppers and tomatoes for 5 mins.

Spice things up!

  • Peel and crush the garlic and add it to the pan along with the oregano, paprika and chilli flakes (to taste). Cook for 2 mins.
  • Stir in the tomato purée and chopped tomatoes and crumble in the stock.
  • Pour in 200ml water (300ml for 4 portions), stir again and simmer for 5 mins.

Add your final touch

  • Finely chop the parsley and add half to the pan along with the sweet potatoes and rice.
  • To serve, sprinkle the remaining parsley over the jambalaya.

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