We're heading to the Caribbean to sample some authentic Vegetarian Caribbean Recipes! This fun collection of Caribbean dishes is also gluten-free to boot!
I've spent some time in countries bordering the Caribbean Sea and one thing is for certain—the local cuisines are always such a diverse fusion of a variety of influences and they are always packed with FLAVOR! Big flavor. So, needless to say, I was super excited to finally gather some Caribbean dishes here! I hope you enjoy. XO.
Caribbean Cuisines
The Caribbean encompasses a large variety of countries and cultures, with influences from all over the world. Caribbean Cuisine is a fusion of cuisines from the following countries:
- Jamaica
- Puerto Rico
- The Bahamas
- Costa Rica
- Mexico
- Cuba
- Belize
- Honduras
- Guatemala
- Dominican Republic
- Barbados
- Cayman Islands
- Grenada
- Panama
- Nicaragua
- Trinidad & Tobago
- Venezuela
- British Virgin Islands
- and MORE!
As you can see, Caribbean Cuisine is as diverse as it is delicious!
Common Vegetarian Caribbean Ingredients and Pantry Staples
- Plantains
- Cilantro
- Beans
- Rice
- Coconut
- Sweet Potatoes
- Molasses
- Mango
- Chili Peppers
- Turmeric
- Rum
- Allspice
- Pigeon Peas
- Yuca
- Cornmeal
18 Vegetarian Caribbean Recipes
Dominican Mangú Recipe - Mashed Plantains with Sauteed Onion | Babaganosh
Dominican Mangú Recipe - Mashed Green Plantains with Sauteed Onion. This dish is traditionally eaten for breakfast, but also makes a GREAT side dish for dinner!
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Gallo Pinto Recipe
Gallo Pinto is a rice and beans dish with its origins in Central America. This take is inspired by my time living in Costa Rica and how I most frequently experienced this dish. It is so tasty and filling that I love to introduce it to others who may not have experienced it yet! You can also find this recipe in my book, The Vegetarian Family Cookbook.
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Cornmeal Porridge | Little Sunny Kitchen
This traditional Jamaican cornmeal porridge makes a healthy hearty breakfast. It’s so creamy, warming, tasty and filling.
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Jamaican Rice and Peas Recipe | The Forked Spoon
Seasoned with garlic, ginger, and thyme, Jamaican Rice and Peas is a uniquely irresistible rice dish made with coconut milk, allspice berries, and kidney beans.
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Puerto Rican Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros) | Plant Based and Broke
Puerto Rican Fried Sweet Plantains (Maduros)
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Caribbean Green Seasoning | Little Sunny Kitchen
Green seasoning is a herby green paste that is used to marinate meat. It’s a traditional recipe that comes from the Caribbean islands.
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Instant Pot Arroz con Gandules | Fried Dandelions
Instant Pot Arroz con Gandules are a quick and complete weeknight meal! Using pantry staples, you’ll have this dinner on the table in just a half hour!
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Trinidadian Tomato Choka (Vegan, GF, Low Fat) | That Girl Cooks Healthy
This super easy Tomato Choka recipe is a vegan aromatic Trinidadian breakfast dish consisting of garlic, onion, pepper combined with roasted tomato served with sada roti. A great way to use up some leftover tomatoes along with some accessible ingredients.
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Jamaican Callaloo | Healthier Steps
Jamaican Callaloo is a popular local staple green leafy vegetable, cooked with onion, garlic, tomatoes, thyme and Scotch bonnet pepper. Perfect healthy side dish for a tropical breakfast, lunch or dinner.
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Vegan Pastelón (Puerto Rican Plantain “Lasagna”) | Sense and Edibility
Your favorite Puerto Rican comfort dish made completely vegan. This Vegan Pastelón (Puerto Rican Sweet Plantain “Lasagna”) tastes just like the original.
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Homemade Puerto Rican Sofrito | Plant Based and Broke
If you have ever eaten Puerto Rican cuisine, chances are, you’ve had Puerto Rican sofrito without even knowing it.
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Habichuela con Dulce - Caribbean Red Bean Pudding | Global Kitchen Travels
Habichuela con Dulce – Caribbean Red Bean Pudding is a delicious holiday dessert from the Dominican Republic. Filled with warm winter spices like clove and cinnamon, this rich spiced pudding is a protein packed dessert. Translated literally, habichuela con dulce is “beans with sweet” or Sweet Beans.…
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Jamaican Cabbage Recipe | Recipes From A Pantry
Jamaican Cabbage is a gluten free side dish that is quick and easy to prepare using just 6 simple ingredients and loaded with the flavors of the Carribean.
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Cuban Green Plantain Soup | Surprising Recipes
Get the Caribbean in your kitchen. This easy Cuban green plantain soup is tasty and healthy at the same time. A real surprising.soup!
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Caribbean Chocolate Tea (Cocoa Tea) | Homemade Zagat
A warm and delicious chocolate tea ideal for the cold months I can remember the mornings waking up and smelling tea boiling on the st...
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Ground Provision - Caribbean Root Vegetable Roast | Global Kitchen Travels
Caribbean Root Vegetable RoastLearn all about ground provision and how to make a simple side dish to accompany any Caribbean meal! There are more similarities in the cuisines of the Dutch, English and French speaking Caribbean than with the Spanish speaking Caribbean. Therefore, this type of recipe …
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How to Make Jerk Sauce | In the Kitch
This iconic Jamaican jerk recipe from scratch works perfect as a marinade or a dipping sauce. It’s spicy. It’s sweet. It’s savory!
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Jamacian Corn Soup | Pandemonium Noshery
I first had Jamaican corn and lentil soup at a small restaurant in town and of course added it immediately to my “Must make this ...
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Juli says
These all look amazing!! I love the tropical vibe during the winter.
Kristen Wood says
Thank you! I love it as well. Thank you for contributing! 🙂