Vegan (Say What?!) Gumbo

Step 1
Heat 1 tablespoon canola oil in a skillet over medium high heat.

Step 2
Stir in the onion, bell peppers, celery, and garlic; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 3
Transfer the vegetable mixture to a large bowl; set aside.

Step 4
Heat the remaining 1/3 cup canola oil in the same skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds.

Step 5
Whisk in the flour, stirring constantly until the roux darkens and has a nutty scent, about 15 minutes.

Step 6
Reduce heat to low and pour in about one cup of vegetable broth, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth.

Step 7
Stir in the vegetable mixture and tomatoes.

Step 8
Pour in about one more cup of vegetable broth, stirring to combine.

Step 9
Mix in the eggplant, okra, red beans, salt, thyme, basil, file powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, paprika, cumin, liquid smoke, bay leaves, and remaining 4 cups of broth.

Step 10
Cover and continue to simmer for 1 1/2 hours, stirring occasionally.