Step 1

Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large stockpot or Dutch oven and add onion, green pepper and celery. Stir until tender, for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 2

Stir in tomato paste, garlic and Cajun seasoning for about 1 minute.

Step 3

Stir in red beans, vegetable stock, hot sauce, liquid smoke and bay leaf. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bring to a boil, then cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Uncover, then continue to simmer until reduced into a thick gravy, for an additional 15 minutes.

Step 4

While the red beans are simmering, cook rice according to package instructions and set aside.

Step 5

While the red beans are simmering, grill or pan fry the vegan sausage. Slice thinly and set aside.

Step 6

Using a wooden spoon, mash some beans repeatedly until sauce is thickened, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Step 7

Stir in vegan sausage.

Step 8

Serve in bowls, with scoops of rice, and garnished with green onions, hot sauce and/or French bread.