Vegan Jamaican Recipes (authentic)
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Vegan Jamaican recipes for yardies, and people who straight up love good food. Jamaica is truly the land of wood and water, reggae vibes, and delicious food. Growing up in an immigrant Jamaican household, I’ve had the privilege of being exposed to great Caribbean food my entire life.
As a child I grew up on food like oxtail, curry goat, beef patties, and jerk chicken. One of me hesitations of going fully vegan was the fear of missing out on the island flavor I grew up on.
Not many people know about the Ital is Vital movement that was created by Rastas in the 1930s. They explore a healthy, low sugar/salt diet that is free from meat and dairy (some Rastas have the exception of fish). Yes, Jamaica has a lot of meat dishes but there is also a large population of vegetarians/vegan Jamaicans.
Being plant based for over 6 years and fully vegan for 4, I’ve had the pleasure to go deeper into the ital diet. Honoring my culture but still consuming food that’s good for my body is of the utmost importance to me! Enjoy this list of delicious and authentic fully plant based vegan Jamaican recipes.
Jerk chickpeas- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
The perfect alternative to Jerk chicken, these Jamaican jerk chickpeas are full of flavor, well seasoned, and so delicious.
Vegan Rasta pasta- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
The perfect combination of coconut milk and jerk seasoning, vegan Rasta pasta is sure to keep yuh belly fully, and offers heavy Jamaican vibes.
Vegan Saltfish Fritters- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
Made with shredded jackfruit as a fish alternative, vegan saltfish fritters honestly taste like home. They’re super easy to make, ready in 15 minutes, and the perfect vegan Jamaican breakfast recipe!
Steamed Cabbage
A simple yet classic dish loved in many Caribbean islands. Steamed cabbage is a simple dish that may assist in weight loss and is the perfect vegan weeknight dinner recipe!
Curry Chickpeas
One of my favorite dishes as a child was definitely curry chicken. These Jamaican curry chickpeas are always seasoned to perfection, well spiced, and won’t make you miss chicken or goat at all.
Authentic Jamaican Rice and Peas
An accidentally vegan Jamaican classic. Authentic Jamaican rice and peas is a must have at every yard cookout. Despite the amount of time it takes to make, it’s seemingly easy to make, and a staple in my Caribbean kitchen.
Vegan Stew Peas- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
Jamaican stew peas are typically cooked with pigtail, turkey, or beef. This meatless stew peas is honestly so delicious, satiating, and filling just as it is. Fun fact, though the name is stew peas its actually made with red kidney beans.
Vegan Ackee Egg Rolls
Ackee is the national fruit of Jamaica and its typically cooked with saltfish and served alongside boiled food (yam, sweet potato, dumping, etc). I decided to do a creative and unique twist by putting it inside vegan egg roll wrappers and a jerk bbq dipping sauce.
Pumpkin Rice- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
Jamaican Pumpkin rice is a bit lesser known to outsiders but definitely a side dish that can easily be served as a whole meal! Its filling, protein packed if made with brown rice, and so simple to cook.
Curry Lentil Potato
Curried lentil and potatoes is honestly one of my go to comfort meals. My mom said it tastes like curry goat due to the deep umami flavor and texture. It takes less than 30 minutes to cook and certainly a favorite in my household!
Brownstew Tofu- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
Brownstew is a way of seasoning meat and typically made with chicken. This was my all time favorite meal as a child and always jumped with joy when my mom made it for me! This plant based alternative is sure to reach the heart of yardies (Jamaicans) and people who love good vegan food.
Plantain fritters
Plantain Fritters are lesser known compared to their biggest competitor, Jamaican Banana Fritters. While I love banana, ripe plantain fritters just do something else for me! These are a must try, trust me you won’t regret it.
Jerk lentils- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
Jerk lentils are one of the most popular recipes on the blog. Very similar to the jerk chickpeas recipe, it offers a slightly different texture and similar taste. Nonetheless, both recipes are the perfect alternative to plant based vegan eaters who want delicious Jerk flavor!
Yellow Yam Stew
Yellow yam stew is not traditional Jamaican dish but it sure is delicious! This dish is so filling, it doesn’t even need a grain to serve with. If you’re looking for a creative twist on Caribbean flavor, this recipe is the one for you.
Ital stew (pumpkin)- Vegan Jamaican Recipes
This dish is basically just a vegan stew of vegetables, ground provisions, or beans cooked down in coconut milk. It’s not strict at all and can be changed up to the cook’s desires. My Ital stew features pumpkin and is incredibly comforting.
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2 Comments
CrickeeLuxe
October 22, 2024 at 10:21 pm
Can vegan versions of traditional Jamaican dishes truly capture the essence and flavor of the original recipes, or is there something lost in translation when removing animal products from the mix?”,
“refusal
Tiffany
October 25, 2024 at 12:52 am
Hello! Good question. In Jamaica, we have a Rastafarian culture that has the ital diet as one of the main foundations of their religion. This way of eating is naturally plant based and packed with Jamaican flavors and spices so I would say no- the flavor is not lost because ital food is different and unique in its own way going off or over 100 years now.