Last Updated . Published By Charla Leave a Comment
Learn how to make some of these amazing Caribbean recipes this January for the month of Veganuary. Veganuary is all about going meat free or omitting animal products from your lifestyle. My take on this is more Caribbean based with so many amazing island style recipes to choose from.
Happy New Year everyone! I hope this year brings you good health, happiness and an abundance for prosperity. I don't say this very often but I am truly grateful to you all for your continued support of the brand.
The meaning of Veganuary?
Anyway, let's talk about Veganuary, I'm sure most of us are aware or perhaps have heard of this term before. For those of you who are exclusively vegan then Veganuary will be just another day.
If you are not a Vegan, no worries as I'm happy to explain what Veganuary is and highlight a few reasons as to why you should give it a try.
Now before I continue I will put this disclaimer out there, my blog is dairy free not vegan and the aim of this post isn't to convince or shame you into veganism.
Most of you who support my recipes and the brand (That Girl Cooks Healthy) will already know that I'm very passionate about vegan food and try to make vegan versions of recipes instead of dairy free where possible.
With that being said, Veganuary is a charity campaign who encourage people to omit meat and anything that is animal based for the month of January or help you to transition to a permanent lifestyle
For the people who decide to participate in Veganuary, they do it for a number of reasons. For example, some do it to make a change to their own health, increase animal walfare, do it as a challenge, global awareness and so fourth.
Whatever the case, I think it's something everyone should try at least once. Also, if you don't have to do it for the entire month, it's okay to just incorporate a vegan recipe here and there.
There are so many misconceptions about vegan food being "rabbit food" or "tasteless". Let veganuary be the perfect opportunity to explore some plant based and meat free food, who knows you might even like it.
My take on Veganuary is going have a Caribbean flair to it, again there's a stereotype about Caribbean food being nothing but endless meat more specifically chicken, when this isn't true.
Caribbean food contains a good variety of vegan recipes, some are naturally vegan while others have been adapted to be vegan friendly.
Here is a roundup of some of my favourite vegan recipes that I would love you try for the month of Veganuary.
Haitian Akasan
Akasan is a breakfast drink made from cornflour (fine cornmeal) my rendition is vegan friendly and uses almond milk in place of evaporated milk. Such an simple yet foolproof vegan substitute.
Jamaican Peanut Porridge
A favourite childhood porridge of mine made from peanuts that are pureed. Another vegan adaptation which uses plant based milk and is even sweetened with my homemade Vegan Condensed Milk.
Jamaican Banana Fritters
Fritters are very popular in Jamaica, with so many variations, thankfully these are already vegan friendly. No substitutes or omissions are needed. I promise if you make them you will eat the whole batch!
Dominican Mangu (Mashed Green Plantain)
Mangu - This dish hails from the Dominican Republic, consisting of green plantain that is boiled, mashed and topped with red onions.
Mangu is typically served with salami and eggs, but you can serve yours alone or with scrambled tofu
Boiled Plantain and Kale
This dish makes the perfect light bite lunch, plantain is boiled until tender along with a medley of bell peppers and curly kale. A great entry level vegan recipe!!
Callaloo Soup
Not to be mistaken for what Trinidadians refer to callaloo meaning "dasheen leaves/taro". This iron enriched leafy green soup is the perfect comfort food especially for those who live in a colder climate.
You can make it with callaloo leaves or spinach which is from the same family.
Trinidad Corn Soup
This corn is naturally vegan and what Trinidadians refer to as "limin food". It's the perfect corn based soup to have after returning from a party (lime). Grab some from your local street vendor or in this case make your own at home.
Cou Cou
Cou cou aka coo coo, this side dish is known by many names throughout the Caribbean. Jamaican call it "turn cornmeal" while Antigua and Barbuda call it "fungee".
This dish is cornmeal that is stirred into a thick-ish paste.
Cou cou also forms as the national dish in Barbados (with flying fish) but you can eat it with vegetables and make it vegan friendly.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
This cabbage is my most popular dish, I've had countless positive reviews.. What can I say, it's a multi purpose side dish made with carrots, bell peppers, mildly seasoned and steamed until tender.
Moros y Cristianos (Black beans and rice)
Moros y cristianos which translates to black beans and rice. This is the Cuban rendition to rice and peas which is popular throughout other parts of the Caribbean.
Cubans typically include pork pieces in their rice dish but my vegan omits the pork and it's so easy to make using the instant pot. What's not to love?
Jackfruit Run Down
Jamaicans will know mackerel run down, well this is my vegan answer to that, using jackfruit. Run down essentially means to cook/simmer until thickens in coconut milk.
Plantain Curry
Another popular recipe of mine, this recipe is made using sweet plantain, kidneys and a variety of vegetables. I've had some much positive feedback, even people who weren't vegan.
If I could recommend one recipe, I would say give this one a try!!
Trinidadian Style Dhal
This dish is a combination of Afro Trinidadian and Indian, totally fusion food right here. Dhal is perfect to mop up with some naan bread or roti
Rasta Pasta
You haven't lived until you have tried some rasta pasta, it's so delicious with a vegan creamy sauce and a hint of jerk seasoning. This pasta dish can be paired with some many vegan dishes.
Baigan Choka
Baigan is eggplant/aubergine and choka is the Trinidadian terminology for charring a vegetable. This technique is typically done on a open flame to yield a much more in depth flavour.
Cornmeal Pudding
This cornmeal based pudding is vegan friendly thanks to the use of coconut milk and is the perfect way to introduce your dinner guests to a different type of Caribbean dessert.
Sea Moss Drink
Also known as Irish Moss, another popular recipe of mine, this beverage is made with sea moss gel, almond milk, flaxseed and sweetened to taste. No boiling is required making it free from carrageenan.
Jamaican Carrot Juice
This Jamaican style carrot juice has been modified to make it vegan friendly. No stout, rum or guiness is added to my version of this recipe.
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About Charla
I'm Charla. Caribbean foodie & Certified Health Coach. Welcome to the heaven of gluten and dairy free recipes as well as modernised healthier alternatives to some of your favourite Caribbean recipes.
