Creole Style Vegetarian Jambalaya Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 large green bell pepper, diced
• 2 celery stalks, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes (canned, with juices)
• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 1/2 cups kidney beans (cooked or canned, drained and rinsed)
• 1 cup okra (fresh or frozen, sliced)
• 2 scallions, sliced (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
• hot sauce (optional, to taste)