Vegan (Say What?!) Gumbo

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 onion, chopped

2 green bell pepper, chopped

8 stalks celery, chopped

6 cloves garlic, minced

⅓ cup canola oil

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 cup vegetable broth

1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes

1 cup vegetable broth

1 eggplant, peeled and chopped

6 cups chopped okra

1 (15 ounce) can red beans, drained and rinsed

2 teaspoons salt

2 teaspoons dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon gumbo file powder

1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper

1 ½ teaspoons ground black pepper

½ teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon ground cumin

¼ teaspoon liquid smoke flavoring

2 bay leaves

4 cups vegetable broth, divided

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stir in the vegetable mixture and tomatoes.

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

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.

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