This whole food plant-based take on the classic Andouille sausage is so easy to make. You just need to make the spice blend and break down a cauliflower. You can make this in the air fryer or in your oven,
This Air Fryer Andouille Cauliflower recipe for anyone looking to enjoy the bold flavors of New Orleans with a plant-based spin and minimal effort. If you aren’t a cauliflower fan, try it on reconstituted soy curls, pressed tofu, or crispy chickpeas.
This vegan sausage recipe gives you the flavors of Cajun sausage in a plant-based bite and it makes a beautiful blank canvas for the rich Cajun spicy flavors.
Of all the commercial plant-based meats available, I have never seen an andouille sausage. Plus, if you are not a fan of fake meat, you can still get all the wonderful flavors on a healthy vegetable. How’s the for a win win?
Embracing the Flavors of New Orleans, Vegan Style!
You get some of the flavors of a traditional Cajun seasoning, such as smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme, in our vegan andouille sausage replacement.
The combination of rich flavors and plant-based ingredients offers a delicious and sustainable way to celebrate Mardi Gras or any day of the year. It’s a great way to enjoy the essence of Cajun food with a healthy, vegan twist.
What Is Cajun Food Anyhow?
Cajun food is a style of cooking that originated with the Acadian people, who were deported from Canada to the Acadiana region of Louisiana in the 18th century.
It’s known for its rich, spicy flavors and hearty dishes, often featuring the “holy trinity” of onion, celery, and bell pepper. Cajun seasoning, a blend of spices including cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, is a staple in creating the distinct flavors of Cajun cuisine.
From jambalaya and gumbo to andouille sausage and dirty rice, Cajun food is a celebration of flavor, community, and the blending of cultures. It’s a cuisine that embraces local ingredients making it adaptable and inclusive no matter where you live.
What Makes This Andouille Cauliflower Recipe Special?
Crafted with a blend of aromatic spices and nutritious cauliflower, this recipe offers a healthy, plant based twist to the classic Andouille sausage.
Perfect for topping off your gumbo or jambalaya or even as a zesty addition to salads and wraps, it’s bound to become a staple in your vegan kitchen.
Ingredients for Your Vegan Cajun Sausage:
- ½ head of cauliflower, washed and broken into florets
- Salt-Free Andouille Spice Blend:
- nutritional yeast (optional for that cheesy, nutty flavor)
- thyme
- oregano
- marjoram
- garlic powder
- smoked paprika
- onion powder
- cayenne pepper powder (adjust to taste)
- ground allspice
- ground black pepper
- ground celery seed
How to Make Vegan Andouille Cauliflower Florets?
- Preparation: Start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees. If you use a toaster oven-style air fryer, line the tray with parchment paper. For egg-shaped air fryers, you can skip this step. Or you can use your oven. Just know that cooking times will be longer.
- Blend the Spices: While the cauliflower cooks, blend all the ingredients for the Andouille spice blend until well incorporated and powdered.
- Season the Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets with about a tablespoon of the spice blend, ensuring each piece is well coated.
- Cook to Perfection: Place the seasoned cauliflower back in the air fryer and cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes or until tender and slightly browned.
Substitutes for Cauliflower in the Recipe
Cauliflower gives a perfect bite and makes a great base for our vegan andouille sausages, there are plenty of substitutes that can offer a similar texture and absorb the Cajun seasoning well.
Try pressed tofu or tempah cut into cubes, soy curls, carrot coins, or even chickpeass as a canvas for the spicy, smoky flavors of the Andouille spice blend beautifully.
Other Dishes to Use In
Try using leftover Cajun Sausage to a vegan breakfast burrito for a spicy start to your day. It’s also a perfect topping for red beans and rice, bringing a New Orleans twist to a classic side.
If you’re exploring international cuisines, fold it into a spicy vegan sausage and rice dish, using brown rice or long grain white rice for the best results.
And don’t forget about vegan snack boards—cauliflower andouille, sliced and served alongside other plant-based proteins like tofu sausages or seitan sausages, offers a delightful variety.
Can I Make This Recipe Without an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! While an air fryer offers convenience and that desirable crispy texture, you can easily adapt this recipe for an oven. Just know that cooking times could increase.
Simply spread the seasoned cauliflower on a baking sheet and roast at 400 degrees until tender and browned.
More Ways to Use Cauliflower Andouille
Vegan Cauliflower Cajun Sausage is versatile. Incorporate this spicy, flavor-packed sausage into your next vegan jambalaya, bringing a meaty texture and rich cajun flavor without the meat.
Try it in lettuce wraps, drizzled with a bit of hot sauce or vegan Worcestershire sauce for an extra kick.
This cauliflower andouille can also elevate a simple salad or be the star of a vegan gumbo, adding depth with every bite.
For a cozy evening meal, top a creamy cajun pasta with it, using oat milk for that creamy base, spiced with red pepper flakes and enriched with nutritional yeast to make it taste cheesy.
What Are Some Other Ways to Use the Andouille Spice Blend?
This versatile spice blend can be used to season a variety of dishes. Try it on roasted potatoes, mixed into veggie burgers, or even sprinkled over popcorn for a Cajun twist where ever
More New Orleans Style Cajun Recipes
- Oil-free Mushroom Gumbo
- Jackfruit Gumbo with Forbidden Rice
- Butternut Squash Gumbo
- White Bean Quinoa Slow Cooker Gumbo
- Black-Eyed Pea Jambalaya
- 15-minute Red Beans from Cans
- Instant Pot Dirty Rice
Easy Vegan Cajun Sausage: Andouille Cauliflower
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ head of cauliflower washed and broken into florets
Salt-Free Andouillie Spice Blend
- 2 teaspoon nutritional yeast optional
- 2 teaspoons thyme
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 1 teaspoon marjoram
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ to 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper powder to taste
- ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/16 teaspoon ground celery seed
Instructions
- Spread parchment over the air fryer tray if you are using a toaster oven style, or leave out in an egg-shaped one. Cook at 400 degrees for 5 minutes. You can also use your oven, but the cooking time may double.
- While the cauliflower cooks, blend everything except for the cauliflower in a spice grinder or small blender until well incorporated and powdered.
- Place the cauliflower in a bowl, sprinkle on about a tablespoon of the spice blend, and toss well to incorporate.
- Place back on the parchment or in the air fryer and cook at 400 for 5 minutes, or until tender and the edges are starting to brown a bit.
- Note: The cauliflower should become moist after you rinse it and as it cooks. That will make the spice blend stick. If that doesn’t happen, just toss the cauliflower with a splash of water, then add the spice blend.
Angela Fischetti says
Oh my gosh, @Kathy Hester, this looks INCREDIBLE!!!