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22 Vegan Cinco de Mayo Party Food Ideas

Cinco de Mayo may not be celebrated in Mexico as it is here in the US, but as a Mexican, let me tell you, I will take any excuse to celebrate what a beautiful country Mexico is!! Since you can’t celebrate Mexico without a party, I have done all the searching for you and created the perfect Cinco de Mayo party menu. Here are 22 of my favorite vegan Cinco de Mayo party food ideas.

History of Cinco de Mayo

Cinco de Mayo is the commemoration of the battle of Puebla, that took place in 1862 in the Franco-Mexican war. The Mexican triumphed over the French in an unexpected battle of 6,000 French troops, against only 2,000 Mexicans! The battle was only one of many in the Franco-Mexican war, but the victory emboldened the resistance movement.

Cinco de Mayo in the U.S.

In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is a minor holiday, the big celebrations confined to the city of Puebla. However, in the U.S. this special date has become a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage. It was in the 1960s that Chicano activists took this holiday as their own, perhaps because they identified with the values of the indigenous Mexicans that had triumphed over the French. Later Cinco de Mayo was commercialized and morphed into what it is today.

22 Vegan Cinco de Mayo Party Food Ideas

Phew!! I think I totally nerded out on you there. Anyway, here are the recipes. Enjoy!!

1. Vegan Taco Pizza

a pizza topped with guacamole in the center and surrounded by veggie tacosSweet Simple Vegan

100% vegan and oil free viral taco pizza, filled with portobello mushroom veggie fajitas and topped with salsa and creamy guacamole. Find the recipe here. 

2. Vegan California Burrito

large burrito filled with mushroom asada, fries, pico de gallo, guac and salsaDora’s Table

This vegan California burrito is stuffed with oven baked french fries, pico de gallo, portobello asada, spicy salsa, vegan cheese, and guacamole. Find the recipe here. 

3. Watermelon Salsa

Watermelon salsa in a large white bowl surrounded by cherry tomatoes, mint, and chipsWhitney Bond

This watermelon salsa is refreshing, flavorful and will be the hit of the summer! Cubed watermelon, cherry tomatoes, onion, mint, cilantro, serrano peppers, and lime juice make an amazing combination. Find the recipe here. 

 

4. Vegan Tres Leches Cake

a slices of vegan tres leches cake topped with a strawberry for cinco de mayo party food ideasDora’s Table

This vegan tres leches cake is a sweet vanilla cake is soaked in almond, macadamia, and oat milk, covered in silky coconut whipped cream, then topped with strawberries. Find the recipe here.

5. Vegan Jackfruit Taquitos

flautas or taquitos in an oval green plate surrounded by a red towel limes and avocado                        Cadry’s Kitchen

These vegan taquitos are filled with delicious jackfruit carnitas. They can be made in the air fryer or oven. Perfect for dipping into guacamole, salsa, or cashew queso. Find the recipe here.

6. Vegan Jalapeño Queso

Vegan nacho cheese in a cast iron skillet surrounded by chips and a bowl of salsaPlant Based Scotty

Vegan Jalapeño Queso! All the cheesy flavor without the cow. Made with a mixture of potatoes, carrots, green chiles, and spices. Find the recipe here.

7. Spicy Avocado Sauce for Tacos

a taquito being dipped in a creamy avocado sauce for cinco de mayo party food ideasDora’s Table

This creamy and spicy avocado sauce is a great for dipping flautas or for topping your everyday tacos. It is traditionally served with flautas, but it would also make a great addition to some vegan enchiladas. Find the recipe here.

8. Churro Bites

Churro bites on a sheet tray lined with parchment paperThe Belly Rules the Mind

These homemade churros bites – churros muffins are coated in cinnamon sugar and are kind of like a cross between a muffin and a donut hole. Find the recipe here. 

9. Cauliflower Ceviche

Cauliflower ceviche with red onion, tomato, cilantro in a green bowl surrounded by chips                         Veggies Save the Day

A traditional Latin American seafood dish gets a makeover when you use cauliflower to make this ceviche. Serve with chips! Find the recipe here.

10. AirFryer Potato tacos

air fryer potato mini tacos on a large black platter with three sauces in the center                             Vegan Huggs

Crispy mini potato tacos made in the air fryer. Perfect for dipping in guacamole and salsa. Find the recipe here. 

11. Frozen Strawberry Margaritas

strawberry frozen margarita in a cactus margarita glass for cinco de mayo party food ideas                      Thyme and Love

These fruity margaritas are made with silver tequila, fresh squeezed orange juice, lime juice, and frozen strawberries. They are naturally sweetened with agave nectar. Find the recipe here.

12. Pastelitos de Guayaba

a large plate filled with guava pastelitos and a smaller plate with two pastelitos in focusFried Dandelions

Pastelitos de Guayaba are a delicious dessert, popular in bakeries all over Latin America!  You’ll love making these simple treats in your own kitchen! Find the recipe here.

13. Homemade Tortilla Chips

homemade chips on a white plate with avocado and salsa      Isabel Eats

These homemade tortilla chips are the centerpiece of every party. They’re crispy, crunchy, and won’t crumble and fall apart when dipping and snacking! Find the recipe here. 

14. Mango Tomatillo Guacamole

large white bowl filled with guacamole topped with pineapple and jalapeño                                           Flavor the Moments

Mango Tomatillo Guacamole is creamy guacamole with a blend of sweet and savory flavors that will keep you coming back for more! Find the recipe here. 

15. Pico de Gallo

pico de gallo salsa in a white bowl for cinco de mayo party food ideas                                       Dora’s Table

This is pico de gallo, a raw salsa that consists of jalapeño, tomato, onion, cilantro, and lime juice. That’s it! Find the recipe here.

16. Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Jalapeño poppers on a large rectangular plate sprinkled with cilantro and cremaThis Savory Vegan

Now you can enjoy jalapeno poppers without any dairy! Filled with vegan cream cheese, onion, garlic, and chipotle peppers, and topped with a crunchy bread topping. Find the recipe here.

17. Watermelon Paleta Shots

3 watermelon paletas stacked on top of each other over a dark backgroundDora’s Table

This watermelon paleta shot is a combination of sweet watermelon, lime juice, tequila, and chile powder. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water. Find the recipe here.

18. Vegan Crunchwrap Supreme

vegan crunch wrap stacked on top of each other with sauce dripping down the sides                                           Veganosity

Stuffed with spicy taco filling, spinach, tomatoes, and creamy vegan cheese sauce, plus crunchy tostada shells, and then wrapped up tight in a flour tortilla. Find the recipe here.

19. Crispy Baked Avocado Fries

avocado fries on a large oval plate surrounded by a blue and white towelFrom my Bowl

These Baked Avocado Fries are oven-baked and oil-free, but still crispy and tasty! Vegan, Gluten-Free, and only 7 ingredients. Find the recipe here. 

20. Strawberry Margarita Pie

strawberry margarita vegan cake with a swirled berry topping and decorated with slices of limes               Fragrant Vanilla Cake

A creamy strawberry-lime filling laced with tequila and swirled with a strawberry puree is placed on a simple no-bake crust with quinoa flakes, coconut, almond meal, and dates. It’s a deliciously cold and sweet treat. Find the recipe here. 

21. Vegan Nachos

vegan nachos in a large oval platter on a teal backgroundLoving it Vegan

Vegan nachos loaded with vegan taco meat, black beans, pico de gallo, vegan nacho cheese and guacamole. Ultra-cheesy, spicy and fully loaded, better than a restaurant! Find recipe here.

22. Esquites (Corn in a Cup)

two mason jars filled with elote, cheese, mayo         The Nut-Free Vegan

Esquites Mexican Corn Cups, sweet corn, mayonnaise, vegan cotija cheese, chile powder. Find recipe here. 

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Vegan Matamoros Style Seafood Stew

This vegan Matamoros style seafood stew is a spicy, tangy, and hearty stew of oyster mushrooms, chickpeas, hearts of palm, and corn simmered in a chile-tomato broth. It is served with chopped cilantro, a splash of lime juice, and tostadas.

Dulse flakes, garlic, oregano, and chile powder in a large pot

This stew is somewhat similar to the caldo de siete mares, which is a classic Mexican seafood soup. This version besides being vegan, is delicious and full of a wide variety of vegetables. It gets its fishiness from dulse flakes, which are sun-dried seaweed flakes rich in fiber, protein, vitamin B12, and omega-3.

(Matamoros is a city in the northeastern state of Tamaulipas, Mexico. It is a border town with Brownsville, TX and it is located 28 miles from the coast of the gulf of Mexico.)

Tomato and guajillo chiles added to the pot with the dulse flake mixture

Our Vegan Mexico Project

This recipe is part of an amazing project called Our Vegan Mexico, where 32 talented cooks will be showcasing, right here on Dora’s Table, 32 vegan Mexican recipes. Each recipe will be representing one state of the Mexican union.

With this project, I am hoping to encourage the Mexican community in the U.S., and the people of my country to take a chance and make the change to a plant-based diet. This recipe, which is representing the state of Tamaulipas, is the creation of the talented chef Eddie Garza from @theeddiegarza and here he is sharing his story with us.

Eddie’s Story:

Every November I celebrate my veganiversary. This year, I’m celebrating my Sweet Sixteen! It’s been an amazing journey.

I was born and raised in the South Texas border town of Brownsville, right across the Rio Grande River from Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico. My hometown slogan is “On the border, by the Sea.” And as the slogan suggests, Mexican style seafood a big part of the culture. Unfortunately, chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and heart disease caused by obesity is also a big part of the culture.

Blender container with blended chile sauce for vegan seafood stew

Like many of my classmates, I was a chubby kid. And every year I got bigger and bigger. By the time I finished high school, I weighed close to 250 pounds. For a 5’7” 18 year-old, that’s a lot. But it didn’t stop there. I finally maxed out at 310 pounds and I was always sick and injured (because my ankles couldn’t keep up with my rapid weight gain). I hit my rock bottom when I was diagnosed as prediabetic right after college.

Pot filled with sauteed mushrooms, carrots, celery, and onion

Thankfully, things turned around for me after meeting a new friend who taught me how to feed myself better. I began eating less of the fatty meat-centric meals that were harming my body and eating more fruits and vegetables. After 5 years of trying to go fully vegan, I finally did it. And I lost 150 pounds along the way. Now, 16 years later, I feel better than ever! And what’s really amazing is that I still get to enjoy all the same flavors I loved growing up on the SoTex-Mex border in a healthy plant-based way.

vegan seafood stew in a large pot. A ladle dunk in to show the stew

Today, I’m delighted to share a veganized version of one of our fall family favorites. It’s a Matamoros style seafood stew that features hearts of palms, oyster mushrooms, and chickpeas instead of sea animals. What gives this lip-smacking stew it’s sea-like flavor is dulse seaweed, which I love using for all my plant-based seafood dishes. I hope you love it as much as I do. ¡Buen provecho!

A white and blue bowl filled with vegan seafood stew surrounded by lime, chiles, and cilantro

The Recipe: Matamoros Style Seafood Stew

  • If you can’t find dulse flakes, you can use ground up nori seaweed.
  • Potatoes make a great addition to this!
  • You can also add zucchini or chayote.
  • Any mushroom would do, but preferably try to find oyster mushrooms.
  • Serve with tostadas.

A white and blue bowl filled with vegan seafood stew surrounded by lime, chiles, and cilantro

A white and blue bowl filled with vegan seafood stew surrounded by lime, chiles, and cilantro
5 from 1 vote
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Matamoros Style Seafood Stew

This vegan Matamoros style seafood stew is a spicy, tangy, and hearty stew of oyster mushrooms, chickpeas, hearts of palm, and corn simmered in a chile-tomato broth. It is served with chopped cilantro, a splash of lime juice, and tostadas.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword gluten-free, nut-free, soy-free, veganmexican
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 8 people
207 kcal
Author Eddie Garza

Ingredients

  • 8 Dried guajillo chiles, soaked, seeded and chopped
  • 2 tbsp. Vegetable oil divided
  • 4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • ½ tbsp. Dried Mexican oregano
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • ½ tsp. Black pepper
  • 2 tsp. Ground cumin
  • 2 tsp. Ancho chile powder
  • 1 tsp. Chipotle powder
  • 2 tbsp. Dulse flakes
  • 4-5 Roma tomatoes roasted and peeled
  • 8 ounces Tomato sauce
  • 2 Carrots diced medium
  • 1 Medium onion diced medium
  • 3 Stalks celery diced medium
  • 8 ounces Oyster mushrooms separated
  • 4 cups Vegetable stock
  • 14 ounces Hearts of palm, half diced in rings, half julienned
  • 4 ears Fresh corn on the cob broken into halves
  • 1 ½ cups Chickpeas, cooked
  • ½ cup Cilantro, chopped (garnish)
  • Lime wedges (garnish)

Preparation

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large soup pot, and sauté the garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, cumin, ancho chile powder, chipotle powder, and dulse flakes for 3 minutes. Add the rehydrated guajillo chiles, tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Lower the heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
  2. Purée the mix (the soup base) with an immersion blender (or in batches with a conventional blender). Transfer the soup base to a bowl and set aside.
  3. In the same pot, heat 1 tablespoon of oil on medium heat and sauté the carrots, onions, celery and mushrooms for 4 minutes. Return the soup base to the pot. Add the vegetable stock, and cook for 10 minutes.
  4. Add the hearts of palm, corn on the cob and chickpeas. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes.
  5. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro and lime wedges.

Chef's Notes

  • If you can’t find dulse flakes, you can use ground up nori seaweed.
  • Potatoes make a great addition to this!
  • You can also add zucchini or chayote.
  • Any mushroom would do, but preferably try to find oyster mushrooms.
  • Serve with tostadas.
Nutrition Facts
Matamoros Style Seafood Stew
Amount Per Serving
Calories 207 Calories from Fat 45
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 5g 8%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 930mg 39%
Potassium 1487mg 42%
Total Carbohydrates 35g 12%
Dietary Fiber 7g 28%
Sugars 16g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin A 96.3%
Vitamin C 17.5%
Calcium 8.3%
Iron 24.4%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Atapakua – Mexican Vegetable Stew

Just so you know, we are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may collect a share from the links on this page.

Atapakua, this spicy Mexican vegetable stew from Michoacan is simmered in a smoky chile guajillo sauce made with pumpkin seeds, fresh corn, spearmint, garlic, and tomato.  It is a unique combination of very Mexican flavors and spices. If you have never tried it, you are in for a treat!!

 ingredients for atapakua, corn, potato, mushrooms, tomato, chile guajillo, pumpkin seeds, chayote, and zucchini

What is Atapakua??

Atapakua is a traditional dish from Michoacan that has prehispanic origins, prepared for hundreds of years by the Purepecha indigenous people. It is thought that before the arrival of the Spanish conquistadores atapakua used only plant-based ingredients like chilacayote, its flowers, and other vegetables, and legumes. After the conquest, animal products were added to the dish.

diced sweet potato, chayote, and zucchini on a sheet tray for atapakua

In Michoacan, you can find different variations of atapakua. It can be prepared with tomatoes or tomatillos, making it green or red in color. Atapakua is notable for its use of fresh corn or masa to thicken the sauce giving it an earthy flavor.

sauteed mushrooms in a cast iron pan

Our Vegan Mexico Project

This recipe is part of an amazing project called Our Vegan Mexico, where 32 talented cooks will be showcasing, right here on Dora’s Table, 32 vegan Mexican recipes. Each recipe will be representing one state of the Mexican union.

roasted ingredients for atapakua in a blender

With this project, I am hoping to encourage the Mexican community in the U.S., and the people of my country to take a chance and make the change to a plant-based diet. This recipe, which is representing the state of Michoacan, is the creation of Cynthia Estrada of @nutricionycocina, and here she with a message.

Cynthia’s Message:

They say that the Earth needs to be saved. Before existing as men, women or your gender of preference we are human beings, and before that we are animals, just another species. The planet evolves, the species become extinct.

atapakua in a clay cazuela, on a purple table mat, surrounded by tomato, zucchini and mint

I accept the word ecologist to describe me. The reality is that I am just trying to save myself. Earth can exist without humans, but we can’t exist without the earth. So why have I decided to reduce the consumption of animal products in my life and everything that goes with it?? The preservation of my person.

I decided to reduce my consumption of animal products for my health, to improve my existence on this planet, to have more energy, and improve my economy.

bright orange-red sauce for atapakua in a sauce pot

The Recipe: Atapakua – Spicy Mexican Vegetable Stew

  • If you want to prepare this recipe without oil, simply toast the pumpkin seeds and chile guajillo until golden brown in a cast iron pan. Saute the onion and garlic in a little bit of water.
  • You can add zucchini blossoms, fava beans or green beans to add more variety to the dish.
  • If you think sweet potato is too sweet you can use potato instead
  • The sauce is not very spicy since it uses only guajillo chiles, but if you do want it spicy you can add 1-2 serrano chiles.
  • For a deeper smoky flavor, you can roast the tomato on a cast iron pan or under your oven broiler until it has black spots all over, then add it to the blender.
  • The recipe calls for fresh corn, but since corn in the US is so much sweeter than Mexican corn, to make this récipe more authentic tasting use ½ fresh corn and ½ fresh masa. If you do use masa, let the sauce simmer for 15 min.

  atapakua in a clay cazuela, on a purple table mat, surrounded by tomato, zucchini and mint

5 from 1 vote
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Atapakua - Mexican Vegetable Stew

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword atapakua, vegan mexican, vegetable stew
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 2 people
247 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

  • 1 Sweet potato, peeled, cut into cubes
  • 1 Chayote or chilacayote, cut into cubes
  • 1 Zucchini, cut into cubes
  • 3 Guajillo chiles, seeds and stems removed
  • 2 Roma tomatoes, seeds removed
  • 2 cloves Garlic, peeled
  • ¼ Large white onion, peeled, chopped
  • 10 Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • ¼ cup Water
  • 1 cup Fresh corn kernels
  • 1 tbsp. Spearmint or mint, chopped
  • 8 oz. Oyster or maitake mushrooms (any mushroom will do)
  • 1 Avocado leaf, dried, crumbled
  • Avocado Oil (Optional)

Preparation

Sweet Potato, Zucchini and Chayote

  1. Pre-heat oven to 450°F for 15 minutes.
  2. Place sweet potato, zucchini, and chayote on a parchment lined sheet tray, season with salt and pepper.
  3. Turn heat down to 350°F and bake for 20 minutes.

Salsa

  1. Heat a large sauté pan to low heat and add 1 tbsp. of oil (if you are oil-free see notes). Add pumpkin seeds and chile guajillo and cook until golden brown, remove from pan and set aside. Add onion and garlic to pan and cook until golden brown (keep garlic whole).
  2. In a small pot, simmer the corn in water until tender, about 2-3 minutes. Strain and reserve ¼ cup of the corn cooking liquid, and 1 tbsp. of corn kernels for garnish.
  3. Place the corn, chile guajillo, pumpkin seeds, onion, garlic, tomato, and ¼ cup of the corn water and blend until smooth.
  4. Add 1 tbsp. of spearmint, season with salt and pepper, and blend again.
  5. Pour the sauce into a medium sauce pot, set to medium-low heat, and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 3-5 minutes, then turn off heat, cover and keep warm.

Mushrooms:

  1. In a large sauté pan set to medium high-heat, sauté the mushrooms until golden brown in avocado oil (oil is optional), about 6-7 minutes.
  2. Season with salt and pepper. Crush the avocado leaf in your hands and sprinkle it over the mushrooms.

To serve:

  1. Place the sautéed mushrooms in a large bowl or cazuela. Add the sweet potato, zucchini, and chayote.
  2. Pour the sauce over the vegetables and stir.
  3. Garnish with corn kernels, and spearmint leaves.
  4. Serve with your favorite beans and corn tortillas.

Chef's Notes

  • If you want to prepare this recipe without oil, simply toast the pumpkin seeds and chile guajillo until golden brown in a cast iron pan. Remove from pan then, char the onion and cook the garlic until golden brown.
  • You can add zucchini blossoms, fava beans or Green beans to add more variety and texture to the dish.
  • If you think sweet potato is too sweet you can use potato instead
  • The sauce is not very spicy since it uses only guajillo chiles, but if you do want it spicy you can add 1-2 serrano chiles.
  • For a deeper smoky flavor, you can roast the tomato on a cast iron pan or under your oven broiler until it has black spots all over, then add it to the blender.
  • The recipe calls for fresh corn, but since corn in the US is so much sweeter than Mexican corn, to make this recipe more authentic tasting use ½ fresh corn and ½ fresh masa. If you do use masa, let the sauce simmer for 15 min.
Nutrition Facts
Atapakua - Mexican Vegetable Stew
Amount Per Serving
Calories 247 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Sodium 75mg 3%
Potassium 1473mg 42%
Total Carbohydrates 47g 16%
Dietary Fiber 10g 40%
Sugars 17g
Protein 11g 22%
Vitamin A 235.7%
Vitamin C 56.1%
Calcium 7.6%
Iron 18.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

 

 

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Vegan Tortitas de Camaron (Mexican Shrimp Patties)

These tortitas de camarón are without a doubt my favorite Mexican lent dish. There is a tradition of serving seafood-based dishes during lent in Mexico and this is just one of them. To make this vegan, I made my vegan tortitas de camaron with a mixture of chickpea flour, zucchini, spices, and ground up nori. They are served in a guajillo chile salsa roja with nopales (cactus).

Glass bowl with chickpea flour, zucchini, spices, and nori powder for vegan tortitas de camaron

Lent is supposed to be a time to abstain from meat as a means of sacrifice and repentance, but now that I’m vegan, this part of lent really no longer applies to my life. However, there are many Lenten dishes that I used to love like ceviche, Mexican shrimp cocktail, capirotada, sopa de habas, and chiles rellenos. I have of course veganized all of them!

pot filled with water and dried chile and tomatoes simmering

Tortitas de camaron are essentially shrimp patties made with dried ground shrimp and whipped egg whites. You can find them served with salsa roja, mole poblano, and pipian (pumpkin seed sauce). For this vegan version, I tested making the patties out of chickpea flour cooked almost like polenta, then letting it cool, and cutting it out into circles. The flavor was good, but the texture was wrong and it seemed like a lot of steps for something that could be quite simple.

nopales draining in a white colander

I finally settled on adding grated zucchini to the patties, and cooking them like you would pancakes, and I think you’re really going to like this! What are some of your favorite lent dishes??

vegan tortitas de camaron cooking on a saute pan

The Recipe: Vegan Tortitas de Camaron

  • To cook nopales, bring a large pot of water to a boil with salt and a cilantro sprig. Add nopales and cook until tender for about 8 minutes. Drain the nopales and rinse them immediately with cold water. Let them drain for a couple of minutes and now they are ready to use.
  • The patties will seem like they are too soft in the middle, but as they cool down they will firm up.

Vegan tortitas de camaron with nopales in a light blue saute pan

  • I only added 1 tsp. of nori powder, but if you want the patties to be very fishy you can add more. I made the nori powder by placing 3 sheets of nori (for sushi) in my blender and processing it into a coarse powder. You can also use dulse flakes.
  • I added chile de arbol, because I like mine spicy, but you can omit them or add more.

 

Vegan tortitas de camaron on a clay plate with nopales and a spoon taking a portion

 

Spoon dipping into Vegan tortitas de camaron on a clay plate

Vegan tortitas de camaron on a clay plate with nopales and a guajillo salsa roja
5 from 1 vote
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Vegan Tortitas de Camaron

Vegan Tortitas de Camaron (Mexicans shrimp patties) a classic Lenten dish gone vegan in a guajillo chile salsa roja.

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword lent recipes, vegan mexican, vegan shrimp
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
135 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

To make the patties:

  • 2 cups Finely shredded zucchini
  • 1 tsp. Garlic powder
  • 2/3 cup Chickpea flour
  • 1/2 tsp. Smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp. Ground mustard
  • 1 tsp. Nori powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt

Sauce:

  • 6 Guajillo chiles, dried stems, and seeds removed
  • 1-2 Chile de arbol, stems and seeds removed (optional)
  • 2 Roma tomatoes
  • 1/2 White onion, chopped
  • 2 Garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 Cilantro sprigs
  • 1 1/2 cups Chile soaking liquid
  • 2 ½ cups Chopped nopales, cooked (see note)

Preparation

To make the sauce

  1. In a cast iron pan set to medium heat, toast the chiles for 20-30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to burn them, or the sauce will be bitter.
  2. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil and drop in the chiles and the tomatoes. Lower heat and simmer for 15 min.
  3. Remove chiles and tomatoes from the soaking liquid and place in the blender with garlic, onion, and 1 ½ cups of the chile soaking liquid. Season with salt and pepper, and process until smooth and strain. Set aside.

To make the patties:

  1. In a large bowl combine the zucchini, garlic powder, smoked paprika, chickpea flour, ground mustard, nori powder, and salt. Mix well with your hand and let sit for 5 min. Mix again.
  2. Grease with preferred cooking oil (optional) then scoop out 1/4 cup of the zucchini mixture at a time into the pan. Cook for about 3 minutes on each side, until light golden brown. Set aside.
  3. Set a large saute pan to medium heat and pour in the sauce. Add cilantro sprig and let it simmer for 5-6 minutes. Add cooked nopales, stir, and adjust seasoning. Add the patties into the sauce and serve with rice.

Chef's Notes

  • To cook nopales, bring a large pot of water to a boil with salt and a cilantro sprig. Add nopales and cook until tender for about 8 minutes. Drain the nopales and rinse them immediately with cold water. Let them drain for a couple of minutes and now they are ready to use.
  • The patties will seem like they are too soft in the middle, but as they cool down they will firm up.
  • I only added 1 tsp. of nori powder, but if you want the patties to be very fishy you can add more. I made the nori powder by placing 3 sheets of nori (for sushi) in my blender and processing it into a coarse powder. You can also use dulse flakes.
  • I added chile de arbol, because I like mine spicy, but you can omit them or add more.

 

Nutrition Facts
Vegan Tortitas de Camaron
Amount Per Serving
Calories 135 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Sodium 277mg 12%
Potassium 689mg 20%
Total Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Dietary Fiber 6g 24%
Sugars 8g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin A 49.7%
Vitamin C 29.4%
Calcium 11.6%
Iron 11.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Guanajuato’s Vegan Potato Enchiladas (Enchiladas Mineras)

These are Guanajuato’s famous Vegan Potato Enchiladas (Enchiladas Mineras) filled with a sautéed onion and mushroom mix, smothered in a guajillo enchilada sauce, and topped with tender potatoes and carrots, crema, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños en escabeche.

tofu crema in blender for vegan potato enchiladas

 

Enchiladas are one of those Mexican dishes that have an infinite number of variations depending on the region. These easy vegan enchiladas are called enchiladas mineras or miner’s enchiladas, because Guanajuato was once the world’s silver-extraction center (18th century). Guanajuato is a state in central Mexico, its capital, the city of Guanajuato is a UNESCO world heritage site, famous for its beautiful examples of Baroque architecture.

White strainer full of cooked diced potatoes and carrots

This recipe is part of an amazing project called Our Vegan Mexico, where 32 talented cooks will be showcasing, right here on Dora’s Table, 32 vegan Mexican recipes. Each recipe will be representing one state of the Mexican union.

Cast iron pan with sauteed mushrooms for vegan potato enchiladas

With this project, I am hoping to encourage the Mexican community in the U.S., and the people of my country to take a chance and make the change to a plant-based diet. This recipe is representing Guanajuato and is the creation of Enrique Rodriquez, here he tells you a bit of his story:

Sauce pot filled with red enchilada sauce and a wooden spoon showing the sauce

My name is Enrique Rodriguez and I’m from the city of Irapuato in the state of Guanajuato, and I have been vegan for more than 4 years. Ever since I was a child I wondered what vegetarianism was all about and always declared myself a lover of animals. So much so, that I stopped eating fish, because my first pets were fish, except for tuna in a can, probably because I couldn’t see the fish’s corpse, hahaha.

vegan potato enchiladas topped with carrots, potatoes, lettuce, and crema in a large blue bowl

As an adult, I met a group of animal activists in Irapuato, and that’s how it all started. I began researching veganism and in one week I stopped eating all animal products. It was easy for me, since I didn’t really like eating meat to begin with, and I learned to substitute it with beans and vegetables such as garbanzos, lentils, mushrooms, etc. My love for cooking and animals grew, and I began to veganize every recipe I came across, and now this lifestyle will accompany me forever.

 

vegan potato enchiladas topped with carrots, potatoes, lettuce, and crema in a large blue bowl

 

The Recipe: Vegan Potato Enchiladas (Enchiladas Mineras)

Traditionally this recipe uses quite a bit of oil. I have opted for a healthier version, but if you don’t mind the oil you can follow the traditional methods. To do so, after dipping the tortilla in the sauce fry them lightly in a large sauteé pan with 1 tbsp. of oil. Fill the tortilla then fold in half. In the same pan you fried the tortillas fry the potato and carrots.

If you are allergic to nuts you can make a tofu crema by blending: 1 lb. of silken tofu, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 clove of garlic, 1/3 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp. of nutritional yeast, and salt and pepper to taste.

The enchilada sauce is not very spicy, so if you like spicy food add 1 to 2 chiles de arbol to the sauce.

vegan potato enchiladas topped with carrots, potatoes, lettuce, and crema in a large blue bowl
4.67 from 3 votes
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Vegan Potato Enchiladas (Enchiladas Mineras)

These are Guanajuato’s famous Vegan Potato Enchiladas (Enchiladas Mineras) filled with a sautéed onion and mushroom mix, smothered in a guajillo enchilada sauce, and topped with tender potatoes and carrots, crema, shredded lettuce, and jalapeños en escabeche.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword easy enchiladas, vegan enchiladas, vegan mexican recipes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

  • 2 Medium Idaho potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 Medium carrots, peeled, and cubed

Enchilada Sauce

  • 15 Dried Guajillo chiles, stems and seed removed
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • ¼ tsp. Ground cumin
  • ½ tsp. Mexican oregano, dried

Filling

  • 1 lb. Cremini, oyster or maitake mushrooms, sliced
  • 1 Onion, large, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 cups Favorite shredded vegan cheese (optional)
  • 12 Corn tortillas

Garnish

  • Almond Crema
  • Jalapeños en Escabeche, sliced
  • 2 cups Shredded romaine or iceberg lettuce

Preparation

To make the enchilada sauce

  1. On a skillet or comal set to medium heat, toast the guajillo chiles for a couple seconds on each side.
  2. Place the chiles in a large bowl and cover with boiling water. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Place the soaked chiles, garlic, cumin, oregano, and 2 cups of the chile soaking liquid and process until smooth. Strain and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

For the filling

  1. Add ¼ cup of water or vegetable stock to a large sauté pan set to medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and sauté for 5-6 minutes, or until almost all the moisture has evaporated from the mushrooms and they are beginning to brown. Add more liquid if necessary.
  2. Add the onion and garlic and continue cooking until the onion is tender and translucent about 6 more minutes. Add more liquid as necessary. Season with salt and pepper and set aside.
  3. Place potatoes in a medium saucepot with cold water and salt. Bring to a low simmer and let cook for 5 minutes, add carrots and let cook for 3 to 4 minutes more or until the potatoes and carrots are tender. Strain and set aside.

Assembly

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  2. Bring enchilada sauce to a very low simmer in a medium saucepot, dip a tortilla in the warm sauce, very quickly, and place on a plate. Fill with mushroom mixture and vegan cheese and fold the tortilla over. Place on serving platter. Repeat this process with the rest of the tortillas.

  3. Pour some extra sauce on top of the enchiladas and spread with a spoon. Place in oven for 5 to 6 minutes to melt the vegan cheese. (You can omit this step if you’re not using cheese).

  4. Remove from oven. Top enchiladas with the potato-carrot mixture, shredded lettuce, jalapeños en escabeche, and drizzle crema on top and serve.

Chef's Notes

Traditionally this recipe uses quite a bit of oil. I have opted for a healthier version, but if you don’t mind the oil you can follow the traditional methods. To do so, after dipping the tortilla in the sauce fry them lightly in a large sauteé pan with 1 tbsp. of oil. Fill the tortilla then fold in half. In the same pan you fried the tortillas fry the potato and carrots.

If you are allergic to nuts you can make a tofu crema by blending: 1 lb. of silken tofu, 2 tbsp. lemon juice, 1 clove of garlic, 1/3 cup of water or unsweetened almond milk, 1 tsp. of nutritional yeast, and salt and pepper to taste.

The enchilada sauce is not very spicy, so if you like spicy food add 1 to 2 chiles de arbol to the sauce. 

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Vegan Mole Poblano Recipe

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Is there a dish more Mexican than mole poblano? For hundreds of years it has been the pride of Mexican gastronomy, but what is mole poblano?? Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce with over 18 different ingredients. It is a not a chocolate sauce!! Though chocolate is one of the ingredients. The combination of flavors is unlike anything you have ever eaten, and the richness and depth of the sauce is remarkable.

Ingredients for mole poblano recipe displayed on a dark wooden board

There are several varieties of mole, but today we will be making mole poblano, which as the name states is from the Mexican state of Puebla. This version is of course vegan! It’s really important to mention this because not all of the mole pastes you can buy at the grocery store or markets are vegan. Some are made with lard and chicken stock, so it’s always best to check the ingredients.

Large stainless steel bowl filled with dry chiles soaking in water

Onions, tomatoes, and garlic simmering in water in a pot for mole poblano recipe

History of Mole Poblano

Mole is a dish with pre-Hispanic roots, mentioned in Bernardino de Sahagún’s General History of Things of New Spain (1569). In the manuscript it is mentioned that a stew was served to Monctezuma made with chilies, tomatoes, and ground pumpkin seeds. Also, the name “mulli” was given to several types of sauces, and it is thought that moles were prepared as an offering to the gods.

nuts, bread, tortillas, sesame seed and spices in a cast iron pan

During colonial times two myths arise about the origin of mole poblano. My favorite is the story of the convent of Santa Rosa de Lima. It is said that mole poblano originated in the convent around 1685 by Sor. Andrea de la Asunción. Sor. Andrea was very famous for her skills in the kitchens of the convent and was asked to make a special dinner for the bishop Don Manuel Fernandez de Santa Cruz and the viceroy Conde de Paredes and Marques de la Laguna.

Soaked chiles in blender for mole poblano recipe

She selected a variety of ingredients for her special dish, chiles, bitter chocolate, sesame, anise, cloves, almonds, peanuts, and pumpkin seeds. Everything was ground in the metate and mole poblano was born. However, it is unlikely that this story is true, since there is proof of mole’s prehispanic origins, but perhaps this nun added her own special touch to this dish.Pureed chiles in blender

 

Our Vegan Mexico

This recipe is part of an amazing project called Our Vegan Mexico, where 32 talented cooks will be showcasing, right here on Dora’s Table, 32 vegan Mexican recipes. Each recipe will be representing one state of the Mexican union.

Nut sauce in blender

With this project, I am hoping to encourage the Mexican community in the U.S., and the people of my country to take a chance and make the change to a plant-based diet. This recipe, which is representing the state of Puebla, is the creation of Chantall Vigueras of @mamavegetal here she tells you a bit of her story.

Piloncillo, chocolate, and bouillon cubes in a large pot

 

Chantall’s Story

In 2010 vegetarianism came to my life, because I believed that it wasn’t necessary to eat animals in order to live at their expense, but I still consumed fish and cheese without knowing everything that was behind their production. At that time I didn’t know much, but I began learning along the way.  In 2015 Chantall Vegetal was born promoting the philosophy of veganism. I’ve been veganizing and creating dishes for almost five years! My love for cooking, the planet, and life without violence were what prompted me to want to share this lifestyle. I want to encourage and help others include more plant-based foods in their day to day life with my content, which I create with love.

 

Clay pot filled with mole poblano

 Mole Poblano Recipe

  • This recipe is time-consuming but not complicated at all!!
  • The recipe makes mole paste, which you can freeze or save in the fridge for later use. To use the paste all you need to do is add enough vegetable stock to get it to the right consistency and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then serve.
  • You can make enmoladas with this or serve it over potatoes, chayote, and zucchini with rice.
  • If you want to make this without oil you can toast the ingredients, that were meant to be fried, in the oven until a dark golden Brown.
  • There were some chiles I couldn’t find easily and I purchased these on Amazon: Chile Mulato and chile chipotle.

 

Enmoladas in a clay plate surrounded by mole ingredients

Clay pot filled with mole poblano
5 from 2 votes
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Vegan Mole Poblano Recipe and Enmoladas

Is there a dish more Mexican this mole poblano recipe? Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce with over 18 different ingredients!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword mole poblano, vegan mexican
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 12 servings
394 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

Mole Poblano Paste

  • 7 Ancho chiles
  • 6 Mulato Chiles
  • 6 Pasilla Chiles
  • 3 Chipotle chiles dried
  • 1 Onion, small
  • 2-3 Roma tomatoes
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 2/3 cup Raisins
  • ¾ cup Raw peanuts, unsalted
  • 2/3 cup Almonds
  • 1/3 cup Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 1/3 cup Sesame seeds
  • 2 Corn tortillas, cut into fourths
  • 1 Bolillo, a couple of days old, sliced
  • 1 Ripe plantain, peeled sliced
  • 1 stick Ceylon cinnamon broken into pieces
  • 3 Whole cloves
  • ½ tsp. Anise seed
  • ½ cone Piloncillo
  • 1 tablet Mexican chocolate (Ibarra)
  • 1 L Water or vegetable stock
  • 2 Vegetable bouillon cubes (optional)
  • 1 tsp. Black peppercorns
  • Olive oil or avocado oil

ENMOLADAS

  • Corn Tortillas
  • 8 oz. Mushrooms, sliced
  • ¼ Onion, thinly sliced

Garnish for Enmoladas

  • Toasted sesame seeds
  • Crumbled tofu
  • Thin onion slices
  • Avocado

Preparation

MOLE POBLANO PASTE

  1. Clean, and remove the seeds and stems from the dried chiles. Using a comal or cast iron pan set to médium heat toast the chiles. Be careful not to burn them or the sauce will be bitter. Once they are lightly toasted submerge them in a pot full of boiling wáter and let soak for 20 minutes.
  2. While the chiles are soaking, bring a médium pot of water to a simmer and add the tomato, onion, and garlic. Simmer for about 6-7 minutes or until the tomates begin to lose their skins and the onion is tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Once the chiles are soft and pliable, place them in the blender with 1 cup of water or some of the soaking liquid. Blend until smooth. Strain and set aside.
  4. Heat a large saute pan to médium-high heat and add vegetable oil. Fry the raisins, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, almonds, tortilla, bolillo, and plantain one at a time until deep golden brown, almost burnt!
  5. Place all of the fried ingredients in the blender with the cinnamon stick, clove, anise seed, black peppercorns, and sesame seeds. Add 1 cup of water and blend. Add as much water as necessary to get your blender to process all of the ingredients into a smooth thick sauce. Strain and set aside.
  6. In a large pot (preferably clay), set to médium heat, add ½ cup of water, piloncillo, vegetable bouillon and Mexican chocolate. Stir constantly until it dissolves.
  7. Add the chile mixture and the nut-bread mixture, and mix well to incorpórate. Season to taste with salt and pepper if needed.
  8. Continue mixing constantly with a wooden spoon and bring to a low simmer. Simmer for 15 minutes and recheck seasoning. Let cool in pot. Now it is ready to use or store.

MOLE POBLANO ENMOLADAS

  1. Place 1 cup of the mole paste in a médium sauce pot. Add ½ cup of water or vegetable stock and bring to a low simmer. Stir to incorpórate. Add more liquid if necesary to get the right consistency.
  2. In a large saute pan, saute the onions and mushrooms until golden brown. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Soften your corn tortillas by heating them briefly in the oven or microwave until the roll easily.
  4. Fill the tortillas with the mushroom mixture and roll. Place on a plate and pour mole sauce on top of them.
  5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and top with sliced onions, avocado and crumbled tofu.

Chef's Notes

This recipe is time consuming but not complicated at all!!

• The recipe makes mole paste, which you can freeze or sabe in the fridge for later use. To use the paste all you need to do is add enough vegetable stock to get it to the right consistency and let it simmer for a couple of minutes, then serve.

• You can make enmoladas with this or serve it over potatoes, chayote and zucchini with rice. • If you want to make this without oil you can toast the ingredients, that were meant to be fried, in the oven until a dark golden brown.

• There were some chiles I couldn’t find easily and I purchased those on Amazon: chile mulato and chile chipotle.

Nutrition Facts
Vegan Mole Poblano Recipe and Enmoladas
Amount Per Serving
Calories 394 Calories from Fat 117
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 13g 20%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 168mg 7%
Potassium 795mg 23%
Total Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Dietary Fiber 11g 44%
Sugars 14g
Protein 9g 18%
Vitamin A 131.8%
Vitamin C 15.8%
Calcium 9.2%
Iron 23%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Mexican Vegan Meatballs in Tomato Chile Broth ( Albondigas en Caldillo)

These vegan meatballs are made with a mixture of black beans, rice, and sautéed mushrooms and served in a   tomato and chile ancho broth. They are ridiculously easy to make and they are one of those meals that remind you of long afternoons sitting at your abuela’s table eating as a family. (If you’re looking for more meaty vegan meatballs you can try these.)

Sauted mushroom in a large saute pan

This recipe is part of an amazing project called Our Vegan Mexico, where 32 talented cooks will be showcasing, right here on Dora’s Table, 32 vegan Mexican recipes. Each recipe will be representing one state of the Mexican union.

Roasted tomatoes, onion, dried peppers, and garlic in a cast iron pan

With this project, I am hoping to encourage the Mexican community in the U.S., and the people of my country to take a chance and make the change to a plant-based diet. This recipe, which is representing the state of Durango, is the creation of Gaby from @unamamavegana, here she tells you a bit of her story.

bread crumbs, mushrooms, rice, and beans in a food processor

Gaby’s Story:

Many people ask me why I am vegan. On March 2015 my husband, then 40 years old, underwent a complicated open-heart surgery. A hereditary medical condition, of which he wasn’t aware of, completely blocked 2 of his arteries. We lived a very difficult stage as a family.

Ingredients mixed in a food processor

My children were so little, and their dad was very young. It was a case that the doctors just couldn’t believe. Fortunately, everything went well, and my husband drastically changed his habits and began to take great care of himself. Shortly after, I was diagnosed with several autoimmune diseases and the doctors recommended a Mediterranean anti-inflammatory diet as part of my treatment.

vegan meatballs in a cast iron pan

So three years ago we hardly ate meat, and shortly before last summer, he decided to become vegan, and I told him,” Yes, I’ll do it with you!”  Because it’s what I can do from my trench, it’s how I can take care of him because I love him, and it’s also how I can motivate and encourage him. From there on everything came naturally, it became a decision and commitment that we made as a family, very convinced that we are on the right path.

Tomato chile broth in a stain less steel sauce pot

The Recipe: Mexican Vegan Meatballs in Tomato Chile Broth

The cuisine of Durango has a very defined mestizo quality. Its gastronomy has a strong pre-Hispanic and Spanish heritage. Because of its location in the northwest of the country, Durango sheltered in its desert lands semi-nomadic peoples, this characteristic that led them to dehydrate their food for transportation. Among them meat, chiles, and fruits.

4 vegan meatballs in a clay bowl on a blue kitchen towel

Reading a little about their typical dishes, I wanted to find a recipe that would rescue their mestizo identity. Rice and beans are key ingredients, and the mushrooms replace the meat. The figs and mint will give the perfect touch to these meatballs.

4 vegan meatballs in a clay bowl on a blue kitchen towel

4 vegan meatballs in a clay bowl on a blue kitchen towel
5 from 1 vote
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Mexican Vegan Meatballs in Tomato Chile Broth

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword black beans, mushrooms, vegan meatballs
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 people
422 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

Meatballs:

  • 7 oz. Sliced cremini mushrooms (about 10 mushrooms)
  • 2 cups Cooked white rice
  • 2 cups Cooked black beans, drained
  • 1 srpig Fresh mint, finely chopped
  • 5 Dried figs, finely chopped
  • 1 1/4 cups Bread crumbs, adjust for consistency
  • 1 tsp. Salt

For the broth:

  • 5 Tomatoes, medium size
  • 1/2 White onion, medium size
  • 1 clove Garlic,
  • 2 Ancho chiles, deseeded
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 cup Water or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp. Olive oil

Preparation

To make the meatballs:

  1. Heat a large sauté pan to medium-high heat, add a little bit of oil (optional), and sauté mushrooms until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. Remove mushrooms from pan and set aside.

  2. Using a food processor, mix the mushrooms, rice, black beans, figs, mint, bread crumbs, and salt. Pulse a couple of times until everything incorporated together, but is not completely mashed. Try to preserve some of the texture of the beans and rice.

  3. Shape the mix into equal sized balls. In the same sauté pan, set to medium heat, brown the meatballs in a little bit of oil until golden brown all over. (You can also bake them at 375°F for 20 to 30 min, flipping them half-way through.)

To make the tomato chile broth:

  1. In a comal or cast-iron skillet set to médium-high heat, dry roast the tomato, chiles, garlic, and onion until they have dark spots all over.
  2. Add the tomato, chile, garlic, onion, and vegetable broth to the blender and process until you have a smooth broth. Strain.

  3. In a medium sauce pot heat 1 tsp. of olive oil. Add the tomato broth and let simmer for 5 minutes or until it changes to a dark red color and slightly thickens. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

  4. Serve your meatballs in the tomato chile broth.
Nutrition Facts
Mexican Vegan Meatballs in Tomato Chile Broth
Amount Per Serving
Calories 422 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 4g 6%
Sodium 1306mg 54%
Potassium 968mg 28%
Total Carbohydrates 81g 27%
Dietary Fiber 13g 52%
Sugars 13g
Protein 16g 32%
Vitamin A 28.1%
Vitamin C 31.1%
Calcium 13.4%
Iron 23.8%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

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Vegan Espagueti Verde Recipe

This vegan poblano cream sauce pasta, which is my  version of an espagueti verde recipe is creamy, spicy, and delicious! This creamy poblano sauce is made with a combination of almonds, roasted poblano peppers, garlic, and cilantro. It’s blended until smooth then poured over your favorite pasta. My family usually makes it for Christmas, along with tamales, pozole, and buñuelos. It’s one of those dishes that is easy to make in large quantities so it’s perfect to take to a potluck or family gathering.

roasted poblano peppers on a sheet tray with parchment paper

This is the first Mexican recipe I veganized and published on this blog. I can’t believe it’s been 4 years of blogging professionally!! So much has happened since I started, and I’ve learned so much. But there’s still so much more to do and learn, and there are hundreds of vegan Mexican recipes yet to be made vegan.

ingredients for poblano cream sauce in blender

Along the way, I’ve discovered an amazing community of people just like me who are Mexican or Mexican-American who have taken the plunge into veganism and sorely missed the food of their mamas and abuelas. People like me who realize that food is such a big part of our culture and simply don’t want to miss out.

espagueti verde poblano cream sauce in blender

I hope my recipes inspire you to go vegan if you’re not already one, and if you are one, that these recipes can help keep the traditions alive in your family without the cruelty or detrimental effects to your health that eating an animal-based diet brings.

espagueti verde being tossed in a stainless steel bowl

The Recipe: Espagueti Verde

This “cream” sauce is made with raw almonds. You can use cashews instead if you like, but I think cashews are too sweet for this. It’s pretty amazing that you can make a cream sauce with nothing but some nut and a blender!!

  • If you do not have a high powered blender, you will have to soak the almonds the night before, and peel.
  • Toss the sauce with the pasta in a large bowl. Do not heat up sauce, if the sauce gets too hot it could break.
  • You can pour this on pasta or vegetable noodles. It also makes a great salsa for tacos.
  • If this is not spicy enough for you, throw in a jalapeño with the poblano peppers in the oven.
  • Enjoy!

spaghetti on green poblano sauce in a white bowl

spaghetti on green poblano sauce in a white bowl
5 from 1 vote
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Poblano Cream Sauce Pasta

This vegan espagueti verde recipe is creamy, spicy and rich. The roasted poblano cream sauce is perfect for tossing pasta in. 
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword poblano cream sauce, vegan mexican, vegan pasta
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 5 servings
Author Dora Stone

Ingredients

  • ¾ cup Almonds, raw
  • ¼ cup Unsweetened almond milk or vegetable oil (see note)
  • 1 clove Garlic, peeled
  • 1 tbsp. Chopped cilantro
  • 1 tbsp. Lemon juice, fresh
  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 -4 Poblano peppers, roasted, peeled, seeded
  • To taste Salt
  • To taste Pepper
  • 1 lb. Spaghetti

Preparation

  1. Boil salted water in a large pot.
  2. Cook spaghetti according to the directions on the box.

  3. Meanwhile, place the almonds, almond milk, garlic, lemon juice, cilantro,water, and poblano peppers in the blender.

  4. Process until smooth, season with salt and pepper.
  5. Drain spaghetti and place in a large bowl.
  6. Add desired amount of sauce and toss.
  7. Serve immediately.

Chef's Notes

  • You can add more poblano peppers or an extra jalapeño to increase the heat factor, but I wouldn’t recommend using less than three.
  • If you want a really creamy sauce use oil instead of almond milk.
  • If you do not have a high powered blender, pour boiling water over the almonds and let sit overnight. The following day, peel them, and use in the recipe as directed. You will have to reduce the amount of water to 1/2 cup, then adjust accordingly. 

 

 

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Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Pipian Rojo

Have you ever had roasted acorn squash?? The roasting brings out the sweetness of the squash and it just begs to be filled with all sorts of veggie goodness. This quinoa stuffed acorn squash is studded with sautéed wild mushrooms and topped with a pipian rojo.

acorn squash on a sheet tray after being roasted

Pipian rojo is a hearty, stick to your ribs kind of sauce, made with roasted pumpkin seeds, roasted tomato, and dried pasilla, arbol, and ancho chiles. It pairs perfectly with the umami of the mushrooms and provides a touch of creaminess to the whole dish. The pipian is a recipe from the excellent book Decolonize Your Diet, which I highly recommend.

cooked quinoa in a silver pot

I was supposed to publish this recipe before Thanksgiving since it would make a great vegan Thanksgiving main course, but of course, life got in the way and I couldn’t publish it in time. We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year, and it was so good to be surrounded by all the craziness and noise that family brings.

cooked quinoa and mushrooms in a saute pan

Our feast was a mix of both vegan and omni dishes. My husband (who is not vegan) was adamant that there needed to be turkey so we compromised and almost all the sides and desserts were vegan.This was my first time trying a vegan celebration roast!! I’m not going to lie, I was a little worried. I ended up buying two, the Gardein Holiday Roast and the Field Roast Hazelnut Cranberry Roast en Croute.

quinoa stuffed acorn squash and spoon pouring sauce on top of it

The Gardein Roast is more turkey-like and filled with sort of stuffing. The Field Roast Cranberry Roast is more sausage-like with ginger, cranberries, and apples. The baby and I enjoyed both of them very much. I was very surprised and thrilled when one of my sisters had celebration roast instead of turkey!! After trying both of them, I can’t decide which one I like best, they’re both really good. I do have to say that If you’re more into turkey-like meats then go with the Gardein Roast, if you’re more of a sausage person then go with the Field Roast. How great is it that vegans and vegetarians have so many delicious options available!I’m definitely getting a celebration roast for Christmas.

a fork in the quinoa stuffed acorn squash

 

The Recipe: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Pipian Rojo

  • You can make the pipian rojo and the quinoa the day before to make this super fast.
  • If quinoa is not your favorite you can use rice instead.
  • Kabocha squash would also work really well with this recipe.
  • Wild mushrooms like maitake or oyster would make this dish even better.
quinoa stuffed acorn squash with pipian rojo on a white plate
5 from 1 vote
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Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash with Pipian Rojo

Quinoa stuffed acorn squash with sauteed mushrooms topped with a smoky pipian rojo and cilantro. A great centerpiece for any vegan feast.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword pipian rojo, quinoa, stuffed squash
Total Time 1 hour
Servings 4 servings
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

  • 2 Acorn squash. cut in half, seeds removed
  • 1 cup Quinoa, raw, rinsed
  • 2 cups Vegetable stock
  • 1 tsp. Salt
  • ¼ cup Water or (1 tbsp. of the oil of your choice)
  • ½ lb. Cremini mushrooms, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup Minced shallots
  • 1 cup Chopped raw greens, kale, spinach or swiss chard
  • 1 ½ cups Pipian Rojo
  • ¼ cup Chopped cilantro

Preparation

  1. Preheat Oven to 400°F.
  2. Place the squash, cut side down, on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper.
  3. Roast for 30 min. flip the squash over, then continue roasting until tender about 20 more minutes. Remove from oven and set aside.
  4. In the meantime, heat a medium pot to medium heat and add quinoa. Pour in vegetable stock and 1 tsp. of salt and stir. Bring mixture to a very low simmer, cover, and cook for 20 minutes or until the liquid has evaporated and the quinoa is tender.
  5. Remove from heat and let sit in the pot for 6 minutes. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
  6. Heat a large sauté pan to medium-high heat, add ¼ cup of water (or 1 tbsp. of oil) and cook the mushrooms until golden brown, about 6-7 minutes. If the mushrooms begin to stick, add a little bit of vegetable stock.
  7. Lower heat to medium-low, and add shallots, cook for 3-4 minutes or until the shallots are tender.
  8. Mix in the greens, and let them cook down, about 1-2 minutes.
  9. Add the mushroom mixture to the quinoa in the pot, and mix well. Season to taste.
  10. 10. Fill your acorn halves with the quinoa mixture and top with the pipian rojo, and chopped cilantro. Place plenty of extra pipian rojo on the table, because you will be coming back for more of this delicious sauce!

Chef's Notes

  • Instead of pipian rojo you could also use mole poblano.
  • You can make the pipian rojo and the quinoa the day before to make this super-fast.
  • If quinoa is not your favorite you can use rice instead.
  • Kabocha squash would also work really well with this recipe.
  • Wild mushrooms like maitake or oyster would make this dish even better.

 

 

 

 

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18 Easy Vegan Tamales

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Tamales are probably one of my favorite things in the whole world!! If you want to learn how to make vegan tamales look no further. Unlike what you may think they are not difficult to make at all. They are a bit time consuming, but with some help from friends or family you can make a tamalada and enjoy vegan tamales all year.

I have searched the internet far and wide for the best vegan tamales out there so you don’t have to. Here are over 15 different recipes that you can use and adapt to your liking. Enjoy!!

Savory and Easy Vegan Tamales

Did you know there are both sweet and savory tamales? Here is a list of our favorite savory ones.

1. Red Chile Jackfruit Tamales

Red chile jackfruit tamales in a white and green tea towel                           dorastable.com

These red chile jackfruit tamales are made with spicy guajillo chile seasoned jackfruit and masa, stuffed inside corn husks and steamed to perfection. What makes these so good is that the masa is spiced with guajillo chiles, coconut oil, and cumin. Find recipe HERE.

2. Jalapeño and Cactus Tamales

Jalapeño and cactus tamales on a white plate                                                                     nibblesandfeasts.com

These jalapeño and cactus tamales are super easy to make. Rather than stuffing each tamal individually, the pickled jalapeños and cooked cactus bits are added to the masa and mixed thoroughly, making the spreading so quick. (This recipe does call for chicken bouillon powder, but you can substitute for Better than Bouillon No Chicken Base.) Find the recipe HERE.

3. Sweet Potato, Spinach, and Black Bean Tamales

Chipotle sweet potato and black bean vegan tamales on a wooden board                                naturallyella.com

Sweet potato, black beans, and spinach simmered in a chipotle sauce. Smoky, sweet, and full of delicious goodness. This dough is seasoned with oregano and coconut oil. You can find the recipe HERE.

4. Vegan Green Corn Tamales

Vegan Green Corn Tamales on a white plate and a green background createdmindfully.com

Vegan Green Corn Tamales. These rich, spicy tamales are made with Hatch green chiles, fresh white corn, and masa harina. Wrapped in fresh corn leaves and steamed. You can find the recipe HERE.

5. Oil-Free Vegan Tamales

Oil-Free Tamales filled with black beans, sweet potatoes, and green chiles cut in half. brandnewvegan.com

Oil-Free Tamales filled with black beans, sweet potatoes, and green chiles in a New Mexican red chile sauce. Instead of oil the masa uses pureed corn, kind of genius! You can find the recipe HERE.

6. Potato and Pinto Bean Vegan Tamales

a vegan tamal topped with crema tomatoes and onion on a plate.               sweetsimplevegan.com  

These Potato and Pinto Bean vegan tamales are also filled Anaheim peppers and tomatoes, spiced with a touch if cumin and chili powder. The masa is made with extra-virgin olive oil. You can find the recipe HERE.

7. Low-Fat Vegan Tamales

A brown plate with a vegan tamal topped with salsa, surrounded by rice and beans.cheftographer.com

These tamales are filled with a black bean-zucchini stew, but the best part is that the masa has a secret ingredient. Instead of oil or shortening, it uses pumpkin puree to substitute the fat. They are healthy and delicious!! Find the recipe HERE.

8. Vegan Potato Adobo Tamales

Two vegan tamales on a wooden board, one cut open                                        dorastable.com

Vegan potato adobo tamales filled with a mixture of potatoes and peas tossed in a spicy adobo sauce. The adobo is smoky, spicy, tangy, and has an earthy quality to it. The masa that surrounds it, is fluffy and light, and it’s all wrapped in a corn husk and steamed until tender. (This recipe uses coconut oil in the masa.) Find the recipe HERE.

9. Jalapeño and Cheese Tamales

Tamales on Mexican clay plates on a dark backgroundmexicanmademeatless.com

Tender tamales stuffed with jalapeños, tomatoes, and cheese. This recipe is vegetarian, but can be easily veganized by using vegan cheese. Find the recipe HERE. 

10. Bean and Jalapeño Tamales

Three tamales topped with salsa verde over Mexican rice.              lapinaenlacocina.com

Bean and Jalapeño Tamales filled with beans stewed in chile ancho and spices, and pickled jalapeño peppers. The recipe does call for chicken stock, but you can easily substitute for vegetable stock. Yum!! Find the recipe HERE.

11. Zucchini and Corn Tamales

A large tamal with zucchini and corn on a blue plate.                                                      muybuenocookbook.com

Zucchini and Corn Tamales, a simple and delicious vegan tamal recipe, no filling required. The masa is studded with sweet corn and zucchini then wrapped in corn husks and steamed. (This recipe calls for chicken bouillon, but you can substitute forBetter than Bouillon No Chicken Base.) You can find the recipe HERE.

12. Easy Sweet Corn Tamales

A sweet corn tamal on a white plate with salsa and crema.                                  mexicoinmykitchen.com

Sweet Corn Tamales, made with fresh corn and a sprinkle of masa harina. These can be served as sweet tamales for dessert or as savory with spicy salsa and vegan crema. (The recipe calls for butter, but can be easily substituted for vegan butter.) You can find the recipe HERE.

Sweet and Easy Vegan Tamales

If you’ve never had sweet vegan tamales you’re in for a treat. It makes so much sense when you think about it, corn itself is so sweet that it only makes sense to enhance that sweetness with flavor like lime, strawberry, chocolate, and pumpkin.

13. Lime Tamales

a lime tamal on a white and green plate     thymeandlove.com

Lime Tamales are a traditional sweet tamal. For vegan sweet tamales, we use vegan butter and almond milk. A few easy swaps and traditional sweet Lime Tamales can be made vegan! You can find the recipe HERE.

14. Sweet Pineapple Tamales

Pineapple tamal on a black and white plate with a silver spoon      chefmarcela.com

Sweet Pineapple Tamales, soft and billowy and perfectly sweet and completely addictive. The masa is made with coconut oil, and vegetable shortening and studded with crushed pineapple. Find the recipe HERE.

15.  Strawberry Tamales

A pink tamal surrounded by strawberries on a blue plate.                                                        dorastable.com

These strawberry tamales are soft, tender packets of ground corn, filled with sweet strawberry jam. The aroma of the tamales steaming is irresistible. They are great with a mug of Mexican hot chocolate or an atole. Find the recipe HERE.

16. Pumpkin Pie Tamales

Pumpkin pie tamal bathed in syrup on a white plate     thymeandlove.com

Pumpkin Pie Tamales are a sweet dessert tamal inspired by the classic American Pumpkin Pie. Perfect for Dia de Los Muertos or Thanksgiving! Find the recipe HERE.

17. Vegan Chocolate Tamales

chocolate tamales on a blue kitchen towel      dorastable.com

These vegan chocolate tamales are filled with bittersweet chocolate chips, and chopped pecans. The best tamal is a warm tamal just out of the steamer with the scent of cinnamon and the melted bittersweet chocolate. Find the recipe HERE.

18. Vegan Tamales Unwrapped

vegan tamales ebook

You didn’t find the recipe you were looking for?? Vegan Tamales Unwrapped Ebook has over 50 detailed pictures, and will guide you step-by-step in the tamal making process. Make delicious savory and sweet tamales inspired by traditional Mexican cuisine, but all vegan and gluten-free. Including an oil-free option for making guilt-free plant-based tamales. You will be able to find recipes like jackfruit in salsa verde tamales. mushroom mole tamales, rajas con crema tamales, and blackberry tamales. Find out more HERE

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