Jamaican Vegan Recipes

These amazing Jamaican Vegan Recipes are a must-try. Enjoy my incredibly delicious meatless recipes that will be enjoyed by all, whether you are a meat-eater or plant-based.

I have a lot of Jamaican food recipes spread out all over my website, and I thought I would collect a
few of them in one location for those who are interested in trying something new, or wanted to
try their hand at cooking old favorites.

Jamaica was originally called Xaymaca, which is known as a land of wood and water, our nutrient-rich soil grows some of the best products,  with an abundance of fruits and vegetables.

So being on a plant-based or vegan diet in Jamaica is not difficult, after all, the Rastafarians there are mostly vegan, some ate fish. The most notable Rastafarian was Bob Marley. 

Although I now live in Florida and have more options. I try to make the recipes as simple as possible, with the mindset that they can be prepared wherever you are in the world, while still being authentic.

There might be one or two ingredients that aren’t as common to find back home in rural Jamaica but for the most part. They can be found in health food stores in Montego Bay, Spanish Town, and Kingston.

For everyone all over the world, most items can be found in Indian, Caribbean, African, Middle Eastern, Asian, and most other international markets.

They are organized in groups, with breakfast, soup, side, main, and dessert dishes included. They are not only vegan but they are also gluten-free.

Breakfast

Of course, we start with a classic, Vegan Ackee. Normally in Jamaica, this is eaten for breakfast,
along with dumplings and callaloo (also included below), but can be eaten for any meal.

These Banana Fritters are similar to pancakes, but without the need to dress them up, thanks to
the bananas.

They’re sweet and delicious all by themselves, so they’re a great breakfast item
for your kids on busy mornings.

This porridge-like is eaten very often in Jamaica, as popular as oatmeal is here in the USA. There
are various types, but one of the most popular is made with cornmeal.

I dressed it up and added fruits and coconut, and just like with oatmeal you can dress this Cornmeal Porridge up as
you please or leave it plain. Check out my Instant Pot Cornmeal Porridge.

Banana Porridge

Banana Porridge is a Jamaican breakfast favorite, made with green bananas, flavorful coconut milk, and spices. I have enjoyed green banana porridge as a child, the unique flavor is nothing like ripe banana but it is incredibly delicious. The flavor is sweet and creamy with a blend of spices and vanilla extract, making it the perfect breakfast treat.

Plantain Porridge

This is a commonly found Nigerian plantain porridge recipe that has found its way to Jamaica. Traditionally it is eaten alone, but you can add toppings if you like, especially if you’d like to get some additional protein. Try with chia seeds, hemp hearts, chopped nuts, dried, fresh, or stewed fruit, cacao nibs, or coconut flakes

Soups

This Spinach Soup is a version of pepperpot soup, which is a dish originating in West Africa that
is popular in the Caribbean.

In Jamaica, meat and callaloo are usually used, but I used spinach,
left out the meat, and added lots of herbs and seasonings to make it flavorful and delicious.

Gungo or Pigeon Pea Soup is delightfully hearty, with all the necessary nutrients to fill you up in
the beans, vegetables, and gluten-free dumplings.

Pumpkin Soup is probably one of the most comforting soups I’ve had and is filled with hearty
vegetables. If you like your soup smooth and creamy, I also have a recipe for Jamaican Pumpkin Soup Pureed.

Red Pea Soup

This is my vegan and gluten-free version of Jamaican red peas soup. Red peas soup is traditionally cooked with salt beef, salted pig’s tail, or chicken feet. Like my Jamaican Stew Peas, this red pea soup has lots of flavors that you won’t even miss the meat.

Yellow Yam Stew

If you are looking for a new, exciting, delicious stew recipe, look no further than this Jamaican Yellow Yam Stew. I use hearty Jamaican yams in a coconut milk based broth for a perfect dinner.

Sides

Kale, spinach, or collard greens are not very popular in Jamaica. Our leafy green of choice is
Callaloo, and it is eaten as a side with pretty much all of our traditional dishes.

Another side item that you will always find in any Jamaican meal is Steamed Cabbage, with
shredded carrots added as well.

It may sound boring, and I will admit, it is fairly simple, but the seasonings
make it taste spectacular with any main dish you choose.

Boiled dumplings are typically eaten with ackee or various meat dishes, along with callaloo or
cabbage, and other various boiled root vegetables. They are a great filling addition to any meal.

Absolutely no Jamaican meal is whole without rice and peas. There are various methods, and
any Jamaican will have a different version, but they’re all delicious.

The two most common
legumes used are kidney or pigeon, it is your preference. Also Try Jamaican Rice And Pigeon Peas, Instant Pot Rice And Peas.

Pasta salad is not normally something you would associate with Jamaican food, but we do have
our own version called Rasta Pasta.

Rasta Pasta is named after the notable Rastafarians who first made this
dish popular.

Bammy

Bammy is a family favorite, growing up in Jamaica depending on where you live, I believe it is safe to say most people purchase storebought, but making fresh bammy is tastier. 
It wasn’t until my family and I stayed in the parish of St. Elizabeth, Jamaica for a month that we noticed that most people in the area grew cassava and made bammy from scratch. I was so impressed because prior to that, I thought bammy was only made in factories.

Jamaican Chop Suey

It is quite apparent from the name that Jamaican chop suey is the Jamaican version of Chinese chop suey. If you are a bit confused, relax! It’s a simple formula.

Now, it’s the rule of nature that living beings migrate from one place to another to find food, shelter, and better living opportunities. It is not just the birds and animals that migrate, but humans do it too. History is a witness of some of the most prominent migrations of nations or people.

Among those, the Chinese have been quite famous for getting out of their country and spreading it all across the world. Where ever they went, they took their heritage, culture, traditions, and food with them. Although the next generations came out as a mixture of different cultures, you will find several variants of Chinese culture and especially the food.

Yellow Yam Fries

Boiled Green Bananas

Learn how to boil green bananas in multiple ways using simple methods.  Green banana is boiled and served as a high fiber, low-calorie side dish in many Jamaican and Caribbean homes. It is a great substitute for potatoes in the diet.

In most Jamaican homes eating Boiled Green Bananas as a side is common, although it might seem difficult to peel the skin, with practice it becomes much easier over time. Boiled green bananas are delicious served as a side dish with Vegan Ackee, Vegan  Jamaican Salt Fish, and Jamaican Callaloo. 

Sautéed Chocho (Chayote)

This delicious Sauteed Chocho And Carrots is an easy vegan side dish, slices of Chocho (chayote) and carrots cooked with onion, garlic, green onion, thyme until tender yet crispy.

Chocho or Chayote is a popular squash that is a staple in Jamaica, it is especially loved in soups and stews. 

Chayote is not as popular here in the USA but I encourage you to try it, it is low in calories, high in fiber, mild-tasting and so easy to prepare. It is great to add to soups, curries, stews, served as a steamed or stir-fried side dish.

I actually love to eat it raw so it is perfect to add to salads, it will actually give a nice crunch and the one I ate today actually tasted mildly sweet. 

Baked Plantains

These juicy baked plantains are a delight, they are sweet, melt in your mouth and healthy. Baked in the oven compared to traditional frying, this is comfort food at its best, served as a side, dessert or snack.

 

Mains

Ask anyone about Jamaican food, and one of the first things they will mention is curry chicken.
Now with this easy Instant Pot Jackfruit Potato Curry, you can make your own tender chicken-
like dish.

Of course, we know cauliflower is all the rage, and of course, I have my own cauliflower recipe!
Various jerk dishes are another classic group of Jamaican dishes.

This sauce is so full of flavor
and compliments cauliflower perfectly.

In Jamaica, Rastafarians are known for their plant-based, all-natural diets. One of their most
popular dishes is known as Ital Stew.

It is amazingly flavorful and tastes like it took hours to
make.

This dish traditionally involves mackerel cooked down in a spiced coconut sauce also called ‘Oil Down’ in other Caribbean Islands.

This Eggplant Rundown might seem like a random replacement, but the texture mimics mackerel very well.

An extremely popular dinner item is definitely Jamaican Stewed Peas. Kidney beans are cooked
down in coconut milk and spices, with dumplings added.

It results in the perfect comfort dish
for these cool winter months.

Curried Tripe and Beans is made using chewy bean curd (tofu) skin, mostly popular in Asian
cuisine, to replicate actual tripe traditionally used in Jamaica.

With added butter beans, curried
with delicious coconut milk and spices, it creates a dish with an amazing flavor and texture
profile.

Vegan Brown Stew Chicken

Vegan brown stew chicken is a vegan take of a delicious Jamaican dish. It is flavorful with a deep color and an umami flavor that leaves you in awe.

 Those who are familiar with Jamaican cuisine simply can’t miss Brown stew chicken. And those who are not familiar with the cuisine should miss out on this recipe. That’s because this dish is simply gorgeous. It is unmatched. Sounds interesting? It’s just the beginning!

Brown stew chicken is a traditional Jamaican dish. It is a stew made from vegetables, chicken, and  Caribbean spices. The dish is not just flavorful but is rich in flavors and has a brown silky and rich gravy with a depth of Caribbean flavors. In simple words, this dish is incredibly delicious! Other amazing Jamaican stews, Jamaican Stew Peas, Ital Stew, Jamaican Yellow Yam Stew.

Vegan Saltfish Rundown

This Vegan Jamaican Saltfish Rundown recipe tastes amazing, the flaked hearts of palm, cooked in flavorful seasoned coconut milk with onion, garlic, thyme, scallions, it tastes just as good as how my mom made it.

Green Banana Rundown

Enjoy this Green Banana Run Down, made with green bananas cooked in coconut milk, onion, garlic, scallion, thyme, pepper, and spices until thick and creamy.

Recently, I came across a recipe for Samoan green banana with coconut milk, and right away I decided I wanted to make a Jamaican version. The Samoan recipe was basically cooked green bananas with coconut milk, onions, and salt. 

This green banana rundown recipe is so easy to prepare. Green bananas are sold at any ethnic food stores,  or in the produce aisle of all major supermarkets. It is important to remember that if you aren’t preparing your green bananas right away, store them in the refrigerator to prevent them from turning ripe.        

 

Desserts

These Hummingbird Muffins are technically a breakfast item, but since it is a variation of
Hummingbird Cake, which originated in Jamaica.

It is so deliciously sweet from the added
fruits, it can be considered a dessert item as well.

Cookies, cakes, pies, and most other American desserts are not traditionally very popular in Jamaica.

The most memorable sweet item that was not a snack from a corner shop is probably Sweet Potato
Pudding.

It isn’t what Americans would consider pudding, but would be more familiar to those
familiar with British puddings.

Jamaican Cornmeal Pudding also called cornmeal pone is a flavorful Jamaican dessert made from cornmeal, coconut milk, raisins, and spices. It is firm pudding consistency with a sweet and creamy coconut custard topping.

Jamaican Fruit Cake, also known as Christmas Cake or black cake in other parts of the Caribbean, is a holiday must-have if you couldn’t tell from the name.

It is also known as Wedding Cake, and of course, is often found at weddings.
Basically, it is the classic choice for any special event.

Gluten Free Gizzada

Gizzada is a perfect blend of flaky shell pastry and soft, chewy, and sweet filling. It is a delicious dish that works perfectly well as a dessert and a snack. It is also a perfect gift for holidays and Christmas.

If you look around on different cuisines, you will find several dessert recipes that are vegan, gluten-free, and utterly delicious. For someone who has a sweet tooth, these recipes are a treasure.

One such recipe that we bring to you today is the Jamaican  Gizzada recipe. It is a popular Jamaican dessert that has its roots in several other cuisines. Other Jamaican favorites are Vegan Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding, Jamaican Spice Bun, and Vegan Cassava Pone.

Despite the fame, it is a humble dessert that serves perfectly well as a snack as well. It is easy to make, tasteful, healthy, and very satisfying; here is everything you need to know about this dessert!

Jamaican Blue Draws

This amazing Jamaican blue draws, also know as duckunu/duckunoo, or tie-a-leaf, is a delicious treat, made from cornmeal, sweet potato, green banana, freshly grated coconut, coconut milk, and a blend of spices, wrapped in green banana leaf and boiled for a moist and incredibly tasty pudding. 

Jamaican Spice Bun

Jamaican Spice bun is a sweet bread that is very popular in Jamaica, It is moist,  with warm spices and plump dried fruits. I’m so excited to share with you my vegan, gluten-free version of this Jamaican staple.÷'[

Jamaican spice bun also called Easter bun, since “bun” is very popular around Easter time. However, it is enjoyed all year round in Jamaica.

I can remember enjoying bun and cheese for the Easter holiday as a child. We ate popular brands like HTB Jamaican Spice Bun and Jamaica National. Honestly, we never thought of making it at home. 

 

 

Drinks

Jamaican Sorrel

Sorrel Drink is a popular drink that used to be served mostly during Christmas time in Jamaica, but now its served all year round. It has great health benefits too!

Sorrel is a cousin of the hibiscus tree, so not to be confused with the sorrel herb. The flower calyces are dried and made into a popular drink in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Rosella in Australia. It is called the Zobo drink in the Middle East and African countries in Nigeria. It has a tart cranberry flavor.

Peanut Punch

This flavorful vegan peanut punch is a popular beverage that is not only enjoyed in Jamaica but also prepared throughout the Caribbean. My version of this class punch is made with peanuts, coconut milk, spices and sweetened with maple syrup is so yummy. 

Traditional peanut punch is made with condensed milk, to make a vegan version of peanut punch I substituted it with coconut milk and sweetener. Normally freshly roasted peanuts are used, the peanut is blended with water then strained. The pulp is discarded are given to feed chickens.

I have seen peanut punch recipes that included oats, Angostura Bitters, Irish moss, and alcohol but my recipe is very simple, kid-friendly, and easy to prepare using pantry staples. Feel free to substitute the maple syrup with your favorite sweetener whether it be cane sugar, coconut sugar, agave, etc.

Last-minute, I decided to add a banana to make it even more rich and creamy and it was so yummy.

Irish Moss Drink (Sea Moss)

Honorable Mention

No roundup isn’t complete without mentioning Jamaican Patties. Jamaican Patties would be considered Jamaican fast food.

In this version, I used lentils instead of ground meat and placed them in a gluten-free and vegan crust.

Jamaican Jerk Seasoning

This amazing Jamaican jerk seasoning is tasty, economical and easy to prepare, with authentic Jamaican flavors, including allspice, thyme, nutmeg, and cinnamon. This spice rub is great for roasting vegetables, tofu, or chickpeas.

As a Jamaican, I grew up with Jerk seasoning being added to meat, and the meat being slowly roasted on open pits. Being a plant-based eater, I get to experiment with jerk seasoning on different plant-based ingredients. 

Jamaican Jerk Sauce

This amazing Jamaican Jerk Sauce is so easy to prepare in a food processor or blender and is great on vegetables, tofu, or pasta. It is a popular Jamaican marinade that is recognized internationally and made throughout the diaspora.

 I decided to make a more authentic Jamaican jerk sauce recipe, although,

I had to reduce the spiciness drastically since I cannot tolerate the heat anymore now that my taste buds have changed as I get older.

I was only able to include two deseeded Scotch bonnet pepper and that was spicy for me.

You can make my recipe as written and then increase the Scotch bonnet pepper to adjust the heat to your taste.

 

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