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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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

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.

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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Red Chile Jackfruit Tamales

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.

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. They are so delicious and 100% vegan and gluten-free.

Jackfruit simmering in red chile sauce in a cast iron pan

These are the first tamales I ever learned how to make. Back when I didn’t know how to make tamales, my dad invited me to the family restaurant to learn. Over the years we had helped on several occasions with the spreading of the masa on the husk and the folding, but I had never done the whole process from start to finish. Tamales rojos are very typical of the northern Mexico, they are usually filled with pork and are very small in size, but with a pretty equal ratio of masa to filling.

Masa for tamales in a silver bowl

The thing about learning how to cook in a restaurant is that you learn how to make huge quantities of food. That day we must’ve made more than 200 tamales! Believe me, it was a few years before I decided to make tamales again all by myself. When I became vegan, I was very sad at the thought of not having good tamales again, and frankly the thought of tamales filled with veggies didn’t appeal to me at the moment.

Tamales wrapped in corn husk on a blue back ground

However, after some experimentation with jackfruit, I decided to veganize this recipe from the family restaurant. The result was shockingly similar to the original ones. So much so, that my omnivore husband was tricked into thinking that the tamales weren’t vegan!!

Tamales arranged in a steamer pot

This recipe is part of my ebook Vegan Tamales Unwrapped. After making these red chile jackfruit tamales I became so obsessed with making vegan tamales that I decided to make my obsession into an ebook. It has 50 detailed pictures on how to make vegan tamales from making the masa to spreading and wrapping.

vegan tamales ebook

Every possible aspect of tamal making is explored, the type of fats, wrappers, fillings, cooking methods. There’s even an option for oil free tamales. It includes both savory and sweet tamal recipes such as:

  • Red Chile Jackfruit Tamales
  • Mole Tamales
  • Salsa Verde Jackfruit Tamales
  • Chocolate Tamales
  • Strawberry Tamales
  • Lime Tamales

It is available for purchase on Amazon for $6.99. Sadly it is only available in ebook format, but if you don’t have a kindle you can also purchase it on itunes to read on your mac devices. I am so proud of this book and I know you will enjoy it too!

Red chile jackfruit tamales in a white and green tea towel

The Recipe: Red Chile Jackfruit Tamales

  • Masa harina is dried nixtamalized corn flour. It is used in Mexico to make tortillas, tamales, sopes, etc. The brand most commonly found is Maseca, but the only non-gmo organic one I’ve found is Bob’s Red Mill
  • I found coconut oil to be the most flavorful fat to use in this recipe. I recommend you use refined coconut oil so the coconut flavor doesn’t affect the tamales. If you use unrefined coconut oil you will get a coconutty flavor.
  • If you have a hard time finding jackfruit, (I find mine at Trader Joe’s) you can use mushrooms instead.
  • If you would like to make these with fresh masa, replace the masa harina with 2 lbs. of fresh masa and use only 3/4 cup of vegetable stock. To substitute the coconut oil, you can use 8 oz. of vegetable oil or vegetable shortening. For tamales without fat, use 8 oz of cooked, unsweetened pumpkin.

Red chile jackfruit tamales in a white and green tea towel
5 from 5 votes
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Red Chile Jackfruit Tamales

These red chile jackfruit tamales are made with spicy guajillo chile seasoned jackfruit and masa, stuffed inside corn husks and steamed until tender.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword vegan mexican recipes, vegan tamales
Total Time 2 hours
Servings 18 - 24 Tamales
91 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

Guajillo Chile Sauce

  • 20 (4 oz._ Guajillo chiles, dry, seeded
  • 3-4 Arbol chiles, dried, seeded
  • 6 cloves Garlic
  • 1/2 White onion, chopped
  • 2 cups Chile soaking liquid

Filling

  • 4 Garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (20 oz.) Green jackfruit in brine
  • 1 ½ cups Reserved guajillo chile sauce

Dough

  • 1 cup (8 oz.) Refined coconut oil, room temperature
  • 4 cups (1 lb. 2 oz.) Masa harina
  • 1 ½ tsp. Baking powder
  • 1 ½ tbsp. Salt, kosher
  • 1 ½ tbsp. Cumin, ground
  • 3 ½ cups Vegetable broth or stock
  • 1 ½ cups Reserved guajillo chile sauce
  • 30 Corn husks

Preparation

To prepare the corn husks

  1. Soak the corn husks in hot water, in a large pot or in your kitchen sink. Place a plate over them to weigh them down so they are completely submerged. Let them soak for at least an hour.

To make the sauce

  1. Place the chiles in a small sauce pot and cover with water. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat and let cook for about 10 minutes. Drain the chiles and reserve 2 cups of the soaking liquid. Place the chiles, garlic, onion, and soaking liquid in the blender and process until smooth. Season with salt and pepper and strain. You should end up with about 3 cups of sauce.

To make the filling

  1. Drain the jackfruit. Rinse, and pat with paper towels. Cut out the core of the jackfruit (tip of the triangle pieces), and cut pieces in half. Heat 1 tbsp. of oil in a large sauté pan set to medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring often. Add the jackfruit and cook for 3 -4 minutes or until it begins to brown. Pour 1 ½ cups of the guajillo chile sauce and reduce heat to low-medium. Simmer for 20 minutes or until jackfruit begins to break down and the sauce has thickened slightly. Use a fork to shred the jackfruit as it cooks down. Season with salt and pepper and let cool.

To make the dough

  1. Beat the coconut oil, on medium-high speed, with an electric mixer for 1 minute. Add the baking powder, cumin, salt, and beat for 1 minute to incorporate into the coconut oil.

  2. Add half of the masa harina to the bowl, pour in half of the vegetable stock, and beat to incorporate. After it is completely incorporated, add the other half of masa harina, vegetable stock, and 1 ½ cups of the guajillo chile puree. Beat at low speed, until thoroughly mixed. It should have the consistency of a thick cake batter. If necessary, add more vegetable stock until you reach that consistency. Taste the dough, and add more salt if necessary. It should be a little bit salty.
  3. For lighter and fluffier tamales, let the dough rest for an hour in the refrigerator. Remove the dough from the fridge and rebeat it, adding enough liquid to get it to the consistency it had before.
  4. Remove the corn husks from the water and set on paper towels. Reserve the largest husks to wrap the tamales and the small ones to line the steamer.

To set up your steamer

  1. Fill the bottom with water making sure the water is not touching the steamer rack. Line the rack and sides of the steamer pot with corn husks. Set aside.

To wrap the tamales

  1. Pull 24 pencil thin strips off of the corn husks and set aside. Take a husk and dry off the excess water with a paper towel. Place the husk in your hand with the tapered side away from you and the smooth side up. Using a spoon, spread 2-3 tbsp. of the dough (¼ inch thick) onto the corn husk, forming a 3 - 4 inch square. Leave a border of at least 3/4 inch on each side of the square.

  2. Place 1 ½ tbsp. of the filling in the center of the dough. Bring the two long sides of the corn husk together, this will cause the masa to surround the filling, and roll them in the same direction around the tamal. (If the husk is too small, fold one of the long sides towards the center, and then fold the other long side on top.) Fold down the empty tapered section of the corn husk, forming a closed bottom. This will leave the top of the tamal open. Tie with a corn husk strip to secure the bottom of the tamal.

  3.  Place the tamal in the steamer vertically leaning against the side of the pot, with the open end on top. Repeat this process until you run out of dough and all the tamales are in the steamer. Cover them with a layer of corn husks. If the steamer is not full, fill the empty spaces with more corn husks. Cover the pot and bring the water to a boil. Turn heat down to medium and cook for 40 minutes. Check the tamales, when they separate easily from the corn husk it means they are done. If they are not done, steam for 10 more minutes and check again.

  4. Remove steamer from the heat and let sit covered for 10 minutes. Uncover and let cool for at least an hour. Don’t be alarmed if the tamales seem really soft. As they cool, they will firm up.

Recipe Video

Chef's Notes

If you would like to make these with fresh masa, replace the masa harina with 2 lbs. of fresh masa and use only 3/4 cup of vegetable stock. To substitute the coconut oil, you can use 8 oz. of vegetable oil or vegetable shortening. For tamales without fat, use 8 oz of cooked, unsweetened pumpkin.

Nutrition Facts
Red Chile Jackfruit Tamales
Amount Per Serving
Calories 91 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Sodium 498mg 21%
Potassium 94mg 3%
Total Carbohydrates 17g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 6.4%
Vitamin C 1.1%
Calcium 5.8%
Iron 11.3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.


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Vegan Pozole Verde

If you’ve never tried vegan pozole verde you’re in for a treat. Wild mushrooms and hominy are stewed in a spicy tomatillo-pumpkin seed broth. Then topped with creamy avocado, crisp lettuce and fresh radishes.

mushrooms cooking in a pot for vegan pozole verde

Pozole is a dish of pre-hispanic origins, the name pozole comes from the Nahuatl word “pozolli” which means ‘frothy’. Which refers to the appearance of the white corn as it’s boiled. It was a dish reserved for special celebrations and religious ceremonies. Legend has it that it was made with human flesh, as an offering to the gods for a fruitful harvest. (Gross!)

pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, cilantro and poblano in blender for vegan pozole verde

Nowadays, there are actually 3 most common types of pozole: rojo, blanco and verde. Red pozole is seasoned with a mixture of dried chiles, white pozole is seasoned with herbs, and green pozole usually contains pumpkins seeds, tomatillos, and green chiles.

Smooth green sauce in blender for vegan pozole verde

The recipe varies according to the state that you’re in. For pozole verde you can find a version from Jalisco, one from Guerrero, and one from Guanajuato.  They are all very similar with small variations like adding poblano peppers, or the toppings change from state to state.

Vegan pozole verde topped with lettuce, radishes, and avocado in a blue and white talavera bowl

I loved the addition of pumpkin seeds to this vegan pozole verde, because it adds a touch of creaminess to the broth without using oil or cream. You can make this pozole anytime, but it would be a great addition to your Christmas or Thanksgiving menus.

I’m not going to lie, I enjoyed this so much I ate the whole batch myself in a couple of days! I hope you like it too.

The Recipe: Vegan Pozole Verde

  • I think the mushrooms are perfect in this, but you can also use jackfruit.
  • I used hen of the woods mushrooms (maitake), but if you can’t find those, you can also use oyster or shiitake mushrooms.
  • You can increase or decrease the amount of Serrano peppers according to your heat tolerance.
  • Chayote or zucchini would make a good addition to this.
  • Enjoy

Vegan pozole verde topped with lettuce, radishes, and avocado in a blue and white talavera bowl

Vegan pozole verde topped with lettuce, radishes, and avocado in a blue and white talavera bowl
4.63 from 8 votes
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Vegan Pozole Verde

Vegan pozole verde, mushrooms and hominy are stewed in a spicy tomatillo-pumpkin seed broth. Then topped with avocado, lettuce and radishes.

Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword pozole verde, vegan pozole
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings
375 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp. Vegetable oil (optional)
  • 1 ½ lb. Maitake or oyster mushrooms, chopped
  • 1 cup Diced onion
  • 6 cloves Garlic, minced
  • ½ cup Raw pumpkin seeds, pepitas
  • 2 Poblano peppers
  • 3-4 Serrano peppers
  • 4 Tomatillos, medium
  • 1/2 cup Chopped cilantro
  • 1 cup Leafy greens, spinach, radish greens, swiss chard
  • 1 sprig Epazote
  • ¼ tsp. Cumin, ground
  • ¼ tsp. Mexican oregano, dried
  • 2 qts. Vegetable stock
  • 1 can (29oz) White hominy 29 oz, drained, and rinsed

Garnishes:

  • 1 Avocado, pitted and diced
  • 4 Red radishes, sliced
  • ½ Head Romaine or iceberg lettuce, finely shredded (julienned)
  • 4 Tostadas

Preparation

  1. In a large pot set to medium heat sauté the mushrooms in 1 tbsp. of oil until golden brown about 6-8 min.
  2. While the mushrooms are cooking, toast the pumpkin seeds lightly in a small sauté pan over medium heat. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Remove the mushrooms from the pot, and add the onions. Turn heat down to medium-low and sweat onions until tender and transparent about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add garlic and cook for two more minutes. Return the mushrooms to the pot. Pour in the vegetable stock and hominy and simmer softly until you are ready to add the sauce.
  5. Turn oven broiler on to HI setting.
  6. Place the poblano peppers, serrano peppers, and tomatillos on a sheet tray lined with foil. Place under the broiler for 3 minutes or until the peppers have begun to get dark spots. Flip the peppers and tomatillos over and let cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from the oven and set aside.
  7. Place the poblano peppers in bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Let sit 5 minutes.
  8. Peel poblano peppers and remove the stems and seeds.
  9. Place the poblano peppers, serrano peppers, pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, greens, epazote, cilantro, cumin, and oregano in a blender and process until smooth.
  10. 10. Strain the sauce into a medium sauce pot set to medium-low heat. Let sauce simmer for 5-6 minutes or until it changes to a darker green color.
  11. 11. Pour sauce into the pot with the mushrooms and hominy and bring to a simmer. Simmer for 8-10 minutes, and season with salt and pepper.
  12. 12. Serve with garnishes.

Chef's Notes

  • I think the mushrooms are perfect in this, but you can also use jackfruit.
  • I used hen of the woods mushrooms (maitake), but if you can’t find those, you can also use oyster or shiitake mushrooms.
  • You can increase or decrease the amount of serrano peppers according to your heat tolerance.
  • Chayote or zucchini would make a good addition to this.
Nutrition Facts
Vegan Pozole Verde
Amount Per Serving
Calories 375 Calories from Fat 171
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 2053mg 86%
Potassium 1460mg 42%
Total Carbohydrates 44g 15%
Dietary Fiber 12g 48%
Sugars 11g
Protein 14g 28%
Vitamin A 52.1%
Vitamin C 80.9%
Calcium 7%
Iron 28.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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Vegan Fish Tacos – Baja Style

These crispy, creamy, yet tender vegan fish tacos will conquer any tofu skeptic. The tofu is marinated in lime juice and spices, then coated in a light batter and fried. They are served on warm tortillas topped with pico de gallo, creamy mayo sauce, cucumber, cabbage, and a splash of lime juice.

Batter for vegan fish tacos

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.

tofu marinating for vegan fish tacos

This recipe is by Alex Cardenas from @chocolateandavocadoes and is representing Baja California Norte. Baja California is know for it’s beautiful beaches, vineyards, picturesque beach towns, and whale migrations. The most popular destinations are Rosarito, Ensenada, Tijuana, and the Valle de Guadalupe (Mexico’s wine country).

Pico de gallo in a red bowl for vegan fish tacos

[I used to think fish tacos were a gringo invention like fried ice cream, that got attributed to Mexico, but before going vegan I had the chance to visit Baja California and try fish tacos, which as it turns out are 100% Mexican, but were popularized in the U.S. by a California fast food chain Rubio’s.]

Tofu lined with nori sheets for vegan fish tacos

Alex’s Vegan Journey

Hi my name is Alejandra Cardenas and I was born and raised in Mexico in Ensenada, Baja California Norte. I currently live live in Los Angeles, CA, and have been here since 2009. I majored in psychology and worked for several years, and now I dedicate my time to raising my small son. I initially became vegetarian in 2010 after watching the documentary Food, Inc.
Fried tofu fish for vegan fish tacos
The images of the animals in large factory farms and food corporations, and how they allow the animals to live in the most inhospitable conditions was enough to motivate me to stop participating in that cycle of cruelty. However, it wasn’t until 2014 after watching more documentaries and reading some health books that I decided to take my diet and lifestyle to another level and become vegan. The change impacted my health quickly, my energy increased, I no longer felt a heavy feeling after eating, like I did when eating animal products, and my skin became clear after many years of skin problems.
Vegan fish tacos in a cast iron pan with limes, tomato, and avocado
A vegan diet also changed the way I cooked completely. I discovered that vegan cooking is not only about substituting protein, but about opening the door to an infinity of ingredients, vegetables and spices that I had never used before, and that maybe I would’ve never used if I had kept eating an animal based diet.
Thanks to veganism I discovered my love for cooking, and gained the peace of mind that my son will grow strong and healthy. I hope that through our example he will always have a positive perspective towards food, will know where this food comes from without having to hurt another living being, and have compassion towards all sentient beings.
Vegan fish tacos in a cast iron pan with limes, tomato, and avocado

The Recipe: Vegan Fish Tacos Baja Style

  • Use cut up nori sheets or dulce seaweed powder to give the tofu a fishy flavor
  • The recipe calls for Persian cucumber, but any cucumber will do.
  • Serve these immediately after frying them or they can become soggy.
  • If tofu isn’t your thing, you can use cauliflower instead.

Vegan Fish Taco Sauce

Traditionally the sauce is a mixture of mayo and crema, but for this version we are using vegan mayo and cashew or almond crema. If you like you can also add chipotle to this.

Vegan fish tacos in a cast iron pan with limes, tomato, and avocado

Vegan fish tacos in a cast iron pan with limes, tomato, and avocado
4 from 1 vote
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Vegan Fish Tacos - Baja Style

These crispy, creamy, yet tender vegan fish tacos will conquer any tofu skeptic. The tofu is fried in batter then served on warm tortillas.
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Total Time 45 minutes
Author Alex Cardenas

Ingredients

  • 2 8 oz oacks Extra firm or high protein tofu
  • 2-3 Nori sheets

Tofu marinade:

  • 3 tbsp. Lemon juice
  • 1/2 tsp. Neutral oil - I used grape seed (optional)
  • 1/4 tsp. Mexican oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. Kelp/dulse granules or crumbled / powdered nori
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Batter:

  • 1 cup Organic all purpose flour or all purpose gf flour
  • 2 Tbsp. Arrowroot powder or cornstarch
  • 1 tsp. Baking powder
  • 1 cup Sparkling water or beer
  • Pinch Mustard powder
  • 1/4 tsp. Granulated garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. Mexican oregano
  • 1/4 tsp. Turmeric powder for color ( optional)
  • 1/4 tsp. Smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp. Sea salt or to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Neutral Oil for frying, like refined coconut or sunflower seed oil

Pico de gallo:

  • 1 Medium/large tomato, chopped
  • 1 Medium red onion, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Cilantro, chopped
  • 1 Scallion or green onion, chopped
  • 1 Serrano or jalapeño pepper, finely minced(optional)
  • Juice of half a lemon

Mayo sauce:

  • 3 tbsp. Vegan mayo
  • 3 tbsp. Cashew or almond crema or vegan sour cream or more vegan mayo
  • Lemon juice as needed to thin out the sauce

Garnishes:

  • 6-8 Corn Tortillas or your favorite tortilla
  • Lemons or limes
  • 1 cup Chopped Peeld Persian cucumber
  • 1/2 Green cabbage finely diced
  • Hot sauce optional

Preparation

Batter

  1. Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl and make a well in the center. Pour the sparkling water or beer and slowly mix with a ballon whisk or egg beater until everything is incorporated without overmixing. 
  2. Cover and store in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to an hour.

Tofu Phish

  1. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a shallow container or baking dish and set aside.

  2. Press the tofu for about 20 minutes to remove the excess water, then cut lengthwise into 1/2 inch slabs or fillets. 
  3. Place in the dish and marinade for at least 20 minutes. Flip them half way to make sure all sides are coated and the tofu soaks up all the flavor.  
  4. While the tofu marinates, prepare the pico de gallo and mayo sauce. 

Pico de Gallo

  1. In a small bowl combine all the pico de gallo ingredients then add the lemon and salt and pepper. 
  2. Taste and add more seasonings or lemon if desired. If you like your pico de gallo spicy, add a finely chopped serrano or jalapeño chile. 

Mayo Sauce

  1. Mix the both the mayo and the cashew crema with a wire whisk or fork until all is incorporated. Add lemon juice to taste and until desired consistency.

  2. Season with salt. Store both the pico de gallo and sauce in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Assembly

  1. To recreate the taste of the sea, measure and cut the nori sheets to cover one side of the tofu fillets, placing the rough side of the nori on top of the tofu (shiny side up). 
  2. Using your fingers, gently apply some of the marinade to help it stick to the tofu or squeeze some more lemon juice on top.
  3. Using a heavy bottom saucepan or deep fryer, bring the oil to medium heat. The oil is ready when you add a drop of batter to the oil and sizzles. 
  4. Prepare your cooking stations before beginning to help you stay organized: dish with marinated tofu, batter bowl, saucepan and a large plate lined with paper towels.  
  5. Using a fork and spoon, place the tofu in the batter and gently spoon the batter on top, this will ensure that the nori sheet stays on the tofu, you will need to do this in several batches.  
  6. Drop the fillets in the oil giving enough space between them, about 2 to 3 since you don’t want to overcrowd the pan. 
  7. Cook tofu fillets for 3-5 minutes or until the edges are browned. Remove from the oil and place on your plate with paper towels to cool down. Continue with the rest of the tofu until done.

  8. Serve on warmed tortillas, with the pico de gallo, mayo sauce, chopped cucumber, cabbage, and extra lemon.

Chef's Notes

  • Use cut up nori sheets or dulce seaweed powder to give the tofu a fishy flavor.
  • The recipe calls for Persian cucumber, but any cucumber will do.
  • Serve these immediately after frying them or they can become soggy. 
  • If tofu isn't your thing you can use cauliflower instead.

 

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Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tacos

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I am so excited to share with amazing book with you. Vegan Yack Attack on the Go, is the first vegan cookbook that I’ve browsed through and immediately though,”I want to make all these recipes!” This recipe for roasted butternut squash and mushroom tacos is one of my favorites from the book. The author is Jackie Sobon from the vegan blog Vegan Yack Attack.

Butternut squash, mushrooms, black beans and tomatillos on a sheetpan.

The best part is that it is a quick recipe that requires only a sheet pan. All you have to do is chop, toss, and roast and the next thing you know dinner is on the table. I love the combination of butternut squash and black beans, and when you add mushrooms and spices it all comes together perfectly.

vegan yack attack on the go cookbook

Even though it is not a traditional Mexican recipe I wanted to share it with you, because it’s delicious and easy to make. I served mine on warm corn tortillas, but you can definitely make a burrito out of it, or it would make a good filling for enchiladas.

roasted butternut squash, black beans, and mushrooms

So why I am I so excited about this book?? Honestly a lot of vegan cookbooks have the same recipes with a little bit of variation, not this one. There are a few classics like smoothies, burritos, and pasta, but there are so many other great recipes like the creamy berry polenta, asparagus omelette, coconut BLT, and the vanilla chip buckwheat bars.

butternut squash and mushroom tacos on a plate

My favorite part of the book is that the recipes are quick to make, which is absolutely a must when you have 3 kids and work from home. There’s even a section for camping or cookout foods that is just genius, like the campfire banana split. I highly recommend this book. What are you waiting for??? Go check it out .

butternut squash and mushroom tacos with salsa verde, jalapeño and lime

The Recipe: Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tacos

  • You can use baby bella or portabello mushrooms.
  • This recipe would also work with acorn or hubbard squash
  • I love the black beans in this, but pinto beans would work also.
  • Use chile ancho powder instead of a regular chili powder for a deeper smoky flavor
  • Enjoy!!
butternut squash and mushroom tacos, jalapeño and lime
5 from 1 vote
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Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tacos

Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tacos, an easy and delicious weeknight dinner everyone will love!

Course Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword black beans, butternut squash and mushroom tacos, vegan tacos
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 4 servings
338 kcal
Author Vegan Yack Attack On The Go! © 2018 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. Text © 2018 Jackie Sobon. First Published in 2018 by Fair Winds Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 265-D, Beverly, MA 01915, USA.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups Diced and peeled, butternut squash
  • 2 cups Chopped baby bella mushrooms
  • 1 can (15 oz.) Black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup Chopped yellow onion
  • 1 tbsp. Sunflower oil
  • 1 tsp. Chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt, or more to taste
  • 1/4 tsp. Paprika
  • Pinch Cayenne Pepper
  • 2 cups Chopped tomatillos, with husks removed
  • 8 Corn tortillas
  • 1 cup Shredded cabbage
  • 1 Jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 8 Small lime wedges
US Customary - Metric

Preparation

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C, or gas mark 6), and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Place the butternut squash, mushrooms, black beans, and yellow onions in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with oil and toss to coat, then add the chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, paprika, and cayenne pepper, and toss again. Spread the mixture out on the baking sheet, leaving some space for the tomatillos.
  3. Place the tomatillos on the remainder of the baking sheet, then place in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork tender. Sprinkle with more salt to taste, if desired.
  4. Warm the tortillas in either the microwave or on a hot pan until soft and pliable. Fill each one with some butternut– black bean mixture, then top with tomatillos, shredded cabbage, and jalapeño slices. Serve warm, accompanied by lime wedges.

Chef's Notes

  • You can use baby bella or portabello mushrooms.
  • This recipe would also work with acorn or hubbard squash
  • I love the black beans in this, but pinto beans would work also.
  • Use chile ancho powder instead of a regular chili powder for a deeper smoky flavor
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tacos
Amount Per Serving (2 tacos)
Calories 338 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 9%
Sodium 702mg 29%
Potassium 1123mg 32%
Total Carbohydrates 62g 21%
Dietary Fiber 15g 60%
Sugars 8g
Protein 13g 26%
Vitamin A 161.8%
Vitamin C 44.8%
Calcium 10.6%
Iron 14.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Nutrition Facts
Roasted Butternut Squash and Mushroom Tacos
Amount Per Serving (2 tacos)
Calories 338 Calories from Fat 54
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 9%
Sodium 702mg 29%
Potassium 1123mg 32%
Total Carbohydrates 62g 21%
Dietary Fiber 15g 60%
Sugars 8g
Protein 13g 26%
Vitamin A 161.8%
Vitamin C 44.8%
Calcium 10.6%
Iron 14.6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
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