Venturing into the world of Caribbean cuisine, it’s easy to become obsessed with the rich flavors and aromas of Jamaican dishes. However, for those who follow a plant-based diet or simply want to mix things up in the kitchen, there are plenty of incredible options beyond the traditional jerk chicken and grilled seafood. Whether you’re in the mood for something light and refreshing or hearty and satisfying, these Jamaican vegetarian recipes have got you covered.
Jamaican Steamed Cabbage
Making for some people, certain foods can be quite polarizing. My brother, for instance, has an intense dislike for cabbage, going so far as to call it one of the most evil things on the planet. His aversion is quite puzzling, especially considering that he has a soft spot for Jamaican steamed cabbage, or as he prefers to call it, ‘carrot hash.’ This sweet and herby dish is a stark contrast to the often sour taste associated with plain steamed cabbage.
Its appeal lies in its ability to be prepared quickly, taking only 20 minutes to make, making it a delightful treat for those who enjoy it.
Jamaican Jerk Marinade
Essential to creating an authentic Jamaican culinary experience is the incorporation of a classic jerk marinade, which I simply couldn’t leave out of this list. While some readers may be wondering why they’d need a marinade if they don’t consume meat, it’s actually quite simple: grilled vegetables are a staple in many Caribbean cuisines. This particular marinade elevates the flavor profile of your veggies to a new level of deliciousness, and I assure you that it’s not just for meat lovers.
Whether or not you’re a fan of traditional Jamaican cuisine, this marinade is sure to add a burst of flavor to your dishes.
Callaloo
Yellowing leaves from the callaloo plant are often used in cooking, similar to turnip greens, spinach, or mustard greens. This recipe offers a classic approach to preparing it. In addition to the callaloo itself, you’ll also need some white and green onions, olive oil, garlic, thyme, tomatoes, water, a Scotch bonnet pepper, and salt to bring out its unique flavor. The preparation time for this dish is approximately 20 minutes.
Curried Jamaican Stew
Brimming with nutrients and flavors, this stunning vegetarian stew is a true delight. Not only is it visually appealing due to its vibrant colors, but it also packs an impressive punch in terms of nutritional value.
Packed with a multitude of fruits, vegetables, and legumes, the ingredients list reads like a health enthusiast’s dream come true: bell peppers, jalapenos, onions, kidney beans, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, greens, and scallions are just some of the wholesome goodies that make an appearance.
Herbs and spices add an extra layer of depth to this culinary masterpiece, with red curry paste, allspice, red pepper flakes, salt, cumin, cinnamon, and cloves all playing their part in creating a truly unforgettable flavor profile. By combining these ingredients in a rich vegetable broth base and finishing it off with a splash of coconut milk, you’ll be rewarded with a hearty stew that’s both satisfying and guilt-free.
Jamaican Cornmeal Porridge
Everyone from newborns to the elderly have cornmeal porridge as a common breakfast staple in Jamaica. The dish’s subtle sweetness makes it a versatile base for adding various flavors, such as fresh fruits, juicy berries, an abundance of extra cinnamon and sugar, or personal favorite toppings.
Jamaican Carrots
Enticing flavors come together in the traditional Jamaican method for cooking carrots. This technique produces tender and succulent results, not unlike candied yams. The combination of brown sugar and butter is a key component, but it’s elevated by the addition of pineapple juice, hot sauce, lemon juice, garlic, and chili powder. These ingredients create a spicy and aromatic flavor profile with just a touch of underlying sweetness that sets these carrots apart from other preparation methods.
Jamaican Banana Bread
Understanding the true essence of banana bread requires a different perspective, one that goes beyond the conventional recipes found in most cookbooks. The average person may have tried various banana bread recipes and even developed a deep affection for it. However, unless they’ve had the pleasure of experiencing Jamaican banana bread, they’re missing out on what truly exceptional banana bread tastes like.
This unique recipe combines traditional baking ingredients with an array of distinctive flavors, including cream cheese, bananas, lemon and lime zest, vanilla, and more. And that’s still not taking into account the crowning glory – the topping! The warm, crumbly mixture is made from brown sugar, lime juice, butter, toasted pecans, and coconut. What really sets this recipe apart, though, is the addition of a hint of rum to both the bread and its accompanying topping.
When you bring all these elements together, you get a dish that’s truly unforgettable. You’ll be hard-pressed to look at banana bread in the same way again after experiencing the authentic taste of Jamaican banana bread.
Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
Characterized by its rich and indulgent nature, this dessert stands out for its exceptional sweetness and satisfying texture. Its consistency is unique, falling somewhere between the creamy smoothness of a pudding or custard, and the filling depth of a traditional pie. In terms of flavor, it shares a remarkable resemblance to sweet potato casserole, although it boasts an even sweeter taste profile.
Ultimately, this dessert’s unbeatable charm lies in its ability to satisfy your cravings with each decadent bite.
Jamaican Chickpea Curry
Traversing the culinary landscape of Jamaica, it’s easy to see why their recipes stand out for their bold and complex flavors. Tailoring these characteristics to a specific dish is what makes Jamaican chickpea curry truly shine. Typically, this hearty recipe includes a medley of herbs and spices, along with smaller ingredients that add depth and richness.
These components include salt, cayenne pepper, paprika, curry powder, ginger, and garlic, all of which work in tandem to create an aromatic blend. The Scotch bonnet pepper, onions, and allspice berries also contribute significantly to the dish’s flavor profile, while the carrots and chickpeas provide a satisfying heartiness.
Jamaican Jerk Grilled Eggplant
Not only is this recipe perfect for those who have never tried eggplant before, but it’s also a great option for anyone looking to mix things up and try a new flavor profile. Although you may be hooked on the taste after one bite, don’t worry if you’ve never been an eggplant fan – this dish is sure to change your mind! Eggplant itself has a relatively neutral taste, being neither too sweet nor too savory, which makes it an ideal canvas for bold flavors like those found in Jamaican jerk sauce.
That’s why this recipe relies on a generous helping of seasonings, herbs, and the unmistakable zing of that famous jerk sauce to create a mouthwatering dish that is equal parts herby, oniony, and simply irresistible.
Jamaican Carrot Juice
Often overlooked as a basic ingredient, carrot juice gets an upgrade with the addition of nutmeg, condensed milk, ginger, vanilla, and rum. This infusion not only enhances its flavor but also gives it a creamy texture that’s distinct from regular carrot juice. Those seeking a non-alcoholic alternative can easily opt out of the rum and still enjoy this sweetened version.
Gungo Pea Soup
Vegetable-packed goodness awaits you in this comforting soup recipe, boasting an impressive nutrient profile thanks to its array of healthy veggies and protein-rich ingredients.
Bammy
Just like many traditional Caribbean dishes, this recipe for bammy is perfect for those who suffer from gluten sensitivity. Even better, you may want to memorize it instead of bookmarking it. Fortunately, the preparation process is quite straightforward and requires only four simple ingredients: peeled and grated cassava, coconut milk, salt, and oil for frying.
Given its minimal ingredient list, bammy not only caters to those with gluten intolerance but also meets paleo- and vegan-friendly dietary requirements. Moreover, this dish has a delightful golden-brown color and is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of meals.
Sweet Fried Plantains
When it comes to Jamaican cuisine, no recipe list is considered complete without a nod to the versatility of plantains. This sweet and indulgent dish has become a staple in many Caribbean households, including mine, as it’s my go-to way to prepare this delicious fruit. One of the benefits of cooking plantains is that they can be prepared in under 20 minutes, making them a quick and easy addition to any meal.
Additionally, their slightly starchy texture and lower sugar content compared to bananas make them an ideal choice for dishes like candied sweet plantains. In fact, one of the most appealing aspects of cooking with plantains is that they retain their shape even after being cooked, unlike their banana counterparts which tend to become mushy. If you’re interested in learning more about the differences between plantains and bananas, be sure to check out my previous post ‘plantains vs. bananas’.
Peanut Drops
Making peanut drops is a relatively quick process that requires only a few ingredients. You’ll need peanuts, brown sugar, ginger, cinnamon, vanilla, water, and minimal prep work to get started.Their sweet and crunchy texture makes them a delightful treat, and let’s be honest – they’re on par with Payday candy bars in terms of deliciousness, perhaps even surpassing them in some ways.
Toto (Coconut Cake)
Pleasing to the palate, Jamaican-style coconut cakes are a testament to the country’s rich culinary heritage. Probably one of the advantages of living in a tropical region where coconuts grow in abundance is that locals have mastered the art of crafting delicious desserts from this versatile ingredient. The traditional recipe for coconut cake is not only grain-free but also showcases a bold and aromatic flavor profile, thanks to the presence of ginger, nutmeg, and allspice.
These spices perfectly complement the natural sweetness contributed by the coconut and vanilla powder, resulting in a soft, fluffy, and slightly spongy texture that’s reminiscent of a coconut-covered spice cake.
Tamarind Balls
Delighting in simplicity is a culinary pleasure I thoroughly enjoy. When it comes to recipes, I’m often drawn to those that require minimal ingredients and can be prepared in no more than 20 minutes. Tamarind balls hold a special place in my heart because of their irresistible taste combination – they’re sweet, yet subtly infused with the tanginess of tamarind fruit.
Many people might view them as an acquired taste due to this delicate balance, but for me, it’s precisely this nuance that makes them so appealing. This particular recipe is one I’ve come back to time and again, and I’m glad I have, because its charms are undeniable.
Jamaican Coconut Drops
Taking a closer look at these unusual treats, you’ll find that they’re actually quite appealing despite their unappetizing appearance. For those with a major sweet tooth, whether it’s yours or someone else’s, these are an absolute must-try. The simplicity of the ingredients list is one thing to get excited about – just diced coconut, vanilla, brown sugar, water, and a pinch of salt. You can also customize them by adding a bit of powdered ginger if you like.
Just thinking about the combination of ingredients is enough to give anyone a sugar rush, but trust us when we say it’s even sweeter in real life.
Jamaican Grater Cake
Perhaps one of your fondest childhood memories involves biting into a colorful piece of Candy Farm Three Color Coconut candy? If you have experienced the delight of these sweets in the past, then you may have some idea what Jamaican grater cake is. This homemade treat shares some similarities with its store-bought counterpart, but it’s missing that distinctive brown layer and has a slightly lighter texture. Additionally, it isn’t as cloyingly sweet as Candy Farm’s version.
Despite these differences, Jamaican grater cake remains delicious and visually appealing, making it an excellent choice for potlucks or any social gathering where you want to impress with your baking skills.
20 Best Jamaican Vegetarian Recipe Collection
Gathering inspiration from the beautiful Caribbean island of Jamaica, we’ve curated a selection of delicious and authentic vegetarian recipes that showcase the unique flavors of the region. From traditional dishes like callaloo to sweet treats like banana bread, to popular exports such as chickpea curry, these easy-to-make recipes will transport your taste buds to the sun-kissed islands of Jamaica.
Instructions
Key to cooking up a delicious meal is selecting a tried-and-true recipe that you enjoy. Next, gather and organize all the essential ingredients to ensure they are easily accessible during preparation. With a little planning and attention to detail, even a complex Jamaican dish can be prepared in 30 minutes or less.
