Vegan Mexican Recipes easy to follow, delicious, and healthy.

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Vegan Mexican Wedding Cookies

You might know them by a different name like vegan snowball cookies, polvorones, or Russian tea cakes, but there is no doubt that vegan Mexican wedding cookies are THE cookies to make this season. These incredibly “buttery” cookies are studded with chopped pecans, spiced with cinnamon and ground anise, and covered in a delicate layer of powdered sugar.

whipped butter in a glass bowl for vegan mexican wedding cookies

In Mexico, these cookies can be found all year long, but they are especially popular during Christmas. They are not called vegan Mexican wedding cookies, they are known as hojarascas or polvorones depending on where in Mexico you are.

dough for vegan mexican wedding cookies in a large glass bowl

I don’t think I’ve ever seen them actually served at weddings, but you never know, Mexico is a big country were traditions, cuisine, and even accents can differ from state to state. I did grow up eating these, but my favorite is definitely the version with orange zest and cinnamon-sugar.

little balls of cookie dough on a sheet tray ready to bake

We love Christmas! It’s such a joyous time when you live it through the eyes of the children. We are a bilingual and multi-cultural household so we do try to incorporate different traditions from our cultures. The kids get presents (toys) from Santa and the Reyes Magos (Three Kings) bring them books and treats. We eat tamales and pozole, but there’s also turkey and gingerbread house decorating. What are some of your favorite traditions??

a baked cookie in a bowl of powdered sugar

The Recipe: Vegan Mexican Wedding Cookies

This cookie is basically a shortbread cookie, so the first thing you’ll need to do is cream the vegan butter and sugar. After this you add the flour and seasonings and mix well. It is very easy to make and take only 15 min. to bake in the oven!!

vegan mexican wedding cookies in a poinsetta box with a ribbon

  • I used earth balance to make this recipe, but you can use your favorite vegan butter.
  • You can shape these any way you like in little balls or you can use this same dough to roll out and cut into shapes. I’ve even used it to make thumbprint cookies.
  • This recipe makes quite a bit of cookies so if you don’t need that many cookies I suggest you still make the whole recipe then freeze half the dough and save it for later. Instant cookies!!

vegan mexican wedding cookies in a poinsetta box with a ribbon

vegan mexican wedding cookies in a poinsetta box with a ribbon
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Vegan Mexican Wedding Cookies

Vegan Mexican Wedding cookies, this buttery cookie is studded with pecans, spiced with cinnamon and anise, and covered in powdered sugar
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword mexican wedding cookies, vegan cookies, vegan mexican
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 32 cookies
158 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

  • 5 oz. (2/3 cup) Sugar, granulated
  • 12 oz. (1 ½ cups) Vegan butter, room temperature
  • 16 oz. (3 cups) Flour, all-purpose
  • ½ cup Chopped pecans
  • ½ tsp. Ground anise seed
  • 1 tsp. Ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp. Vanilla extract
  • 1 cup Powdered sugar

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 350F.
  2. Cream butter and sugar, in an electric mixer with the paddle attachment.
  3. Add vanilla, cinnamon, and ground anise. Mix in chopped pecans.
  4. Slowly add flour, with mixer at low speed. Mix until well combined.
  5. Line 2 sheet-pans with parchment paper. Roll dough into 1 inch balls.
  6. Place balls on sheet-tray, 1 inch apart from each other.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes or until bottoms become golden brown.
  8. Remove from oven. Place on a wire rack to cool.
  9. Once completely cool roll cookies in powdered sugar.

Chef's Notes

You can also use this cookie dough recipe to make thumbprint cookies. Dust with cinnamon-sugar instead of powdered sugar for a more hojarascas feel.

This recipe makes quite a bit of cookies so if you don't need that many cookies I suggest you still make the whole recipe then freeze half the dough and save it for later. Instant cookies!!

Nutrition Facts
Vegan Mexican Wedding Cookies
Amount Per Serving
Calories 158 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 1g 5%
Sodium 100mg 4%
Potassium 27mg 1%
Total Carbohydrates 15g 5%
Sugars 4g
Protein 1g 2%
Vitamin A 7.6%
Calcium 0.9%
Iron 4.1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

 

 

 

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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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Vegan Empanadas With Mushrooms in Mole

Disclaimer: The post is in partnership with Hernán & may include affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and may collect a share from the links on this page.

Mexican empanadas have to be the most versatile portable food ever. They are easy to transport and can have savory and sweet fillings. These vegan empanadas are filled with mushrooms sauteed until golden brown and simmered in a mole poblano.

Mushroom in mole sauce in a large saute pan for vegan empanadas

I love mole, so it was only natural to want to fill these baked empanadas with this smoky and sweet Hernan mole poblano. Hernan is a local company that sources sauces and cookware crafted in Mexico, in partnership with artisan groups and producers. Their mole paste is made of 28 natural and vegan ingredients, the combination of 4 kinds of chilies tempered with raisins, nuts, sesame seeds,  cacao, plantains, piloncillo, and other herbs & spices.

Vegan mole chilaquiles are tortilla chips covered in mole sauce and mixed with sautéed greens and black beans, then drizzled with an almond crema, and vegan queso cotija. The combination is seriously good.

Glass bowl filled with flour and oil and water.

Mole empanadas are traditionally filled with chicken or turkey, but mushrooms make an excellent substitute. You can use any kind of mushrooms, but I think maitake or hen of the woods mushrooms give the best texture. I adapted the empanada dough recipe from the Vegan Yack Attack On the Go cookbook, which I highly recommend. It is made with a mixture of whole wheat and white flour, and uses olive oil as the fat. They are definitely on the healthy side and make an exceptionally delicious appetizer.

Glass bowl with vegan empanada dough

A Brief History of Empanadas

Empanada comes from the word empanar, which means to wrap in bread. Empanadas are thought to have originated in Europe, particularly Spain, around the time of the Moorish invasion. The dish was carried to Latin America by the Spanish colonizers, and evolved over time depending on the country. You can find empanadas in Argentina, Mexico, Chile, Belize, Cuba, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, and the Philippines.

vegan empanada dough rolled out and filled with mushrooms in mole

How to make Empanadas

If you don’t know how to make empanadas or have never made them before, you don’t have to worry. The recipe is pretty easy and straightforward, and the dough is easy to work with. First, you make the filling, and let it cool down slightly. While the filling is cooking, you make your dough by combining the dry and wet ingredients and kneading briefly. You don’t want to knead it too much, otherwise, they can come out tough. Once the dough is ready divide into equal balls and roll out into circles. Place the filling on one side of the empanada disc and fold over the other side, seal with a fork, and bake. See?? Super easy!!

vegan empanadas ready to bake on a sheet tray

The Recipe: Vegan Empanadas filled with Mushrooms in Mole

  • If healthy food isn’t your thing or you are looking for a quick version of this, you can buy empanada disks or use puff pastry as the empanada dough.
  • You will have mole leftover, save it to use later, or use it as a dipping sauce for your empanadas.
  • I made this with Hernan mole paste, but you can make your own, or use your favorite mole paste.
  • I do not recommend you fry this dough.
  • You can use any mushroom you like, but I recommend maitake or oyster mushrooms.

vegan empanadas on a white plate with hernan mole

vegan empanadas on a white plate with mole sauce
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Vegan Empanadas filled with Mushrooms in Mole

These vegan empanadas are filled with mushrooms sauteed until golden brown and simmered in a mole poblano.
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword mole and mushrooms, vegan empanadas
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 12 Small Empanadas
112 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

Sauce:

Filling:

  • 1 tbsp. Olive oil optional
  • ¾ lb. Mushrooms sliced
  • ½ White onion thinly sliced
  • 1 Garlic clove minced

Empanada Dough:

  • ¾ cup AP flour
  • ½ cup Whole wheat flour
  • ¼ cup Masa harina
  • 2 tsp. Baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp. Salt
  • ½ cup Water
  • 2 tbsp. Olive oil
  • 1/3 cup Aquafaba liquid from a can of chickpeas

Preparation

Preparation:

  1. Heat 1 cup of vegetable stock in a medium sauce pot. Add the jar of Hernan mole paste. Bring to a simmer and stir to dissolve the paste. Once the paste dissolves and starts to thicken, add 1 more cup of vegetable stock. Set aside
  2. The sauce thickens as it cools, so if it gets too thick add a little more vegetable stock to thin it out.

Filling:

  1. Heat a large sauté pan to medium heat and add 1 tbsp. of oil (or ¼ cup of water) and sauté mushrooms until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
  2. Add onions to the pan and continue to cook until onions are tender and translucent, about 4-5 min. If the onions and mushrooms begin to stick, add a little bit of vegetable stock to the pan.
  3. Pour in 1 cup of mole sauce, and stir to combine. Set aside.

Dough:

  1. Sift whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, masa harina, baking powder, and salt into a large bowl.
  2. Make a well in the center. Add water and olive oil.
  3. Knead for 1 minute. Set aside.

Fill:

  1. Sprinkle flour on your work surface, divide dough into 12 equal balls. Roll out one ball to 3-inch wide circle.
  2. Add 1 tbsp. of filling to the empanada disk and fold the dough over in half to enclose the filling. Use a fork to press and seal the edges closed. Repeat with the rest of the 11 balls. You can refrigerate the uncooked empanadas for up to 3 hours.
  3. Brush empanadas with aquafaba.
  4. Bake 20 min. at 375F or until golden brown.

Chef's Notes

You can buy empanada disks or use puff pastry as the empanada dough for an easier recipe. • You will have mole leftover, save it to use later, or use it as a dipping sauce for your empanadas. • You can use any mushroom you like, but I recommend maitake or oyster mushrooms.

Nutrition Facts
Vegan Empanadas filled with Mushrooms in Mole
Amount Per Serving
Calories 112 Calories from Fat 18
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 2g 3%
Sodium 239mg 10%
Potassium 212mg 6%
Total Carbohydrates 13g 4%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 1g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 1.8%
Vitamin C 1.2%
Calcium 4.4%
Iron 5.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

You can also use Hernan Mole to make mole chilaquiles, and enmoladas!!!

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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
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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.

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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Chocolate Filled Vegan Pan de Muerto

Filling vegan pan de muerto is a common practice in México. This vegan day of the dead bread is filled with a sweet chocolate “cream”, and dusted with a sprinkling of sugar.. Serve with your favorite Mexican hot chocolate, and honor your loved ones on this Dia de los Muertos.

a tub of chocolate hummus

The filling is a bit of a well kept secret called chocolate hummus. I know it sounds totally unappetizing, but I promise it’s so good. I never thought I would hear my kids begging me to make chocolate hummus. Chocolate hummus is basically cooked chickpeas, cocoa powder, and a sweetener like maple syrup.

vegan pan de muerto piped with chocolate hummus

The store-bought kind is super smooth, almost like a mix between chocolate icing and pudding. When you make it at home it’s not as smooth, but still delicious. I tried making a chocolate-sweet potato frosting, but it was too thick, and a chocolate coconut whipped cream, but that was a total flop. Chocolate hummus was perfect with this vegan pan de muerto.

pan-de-muerto2

Let come to room temperature, roll into balls.

So what’s the big deal about pan de muerto?? Pan de muerto is a special bread eaten on the Day of the Dead in Mexico and placed on the ofrendas (altars) that honor the departed. It has a round shape with 4 elongated knobs in the shape of a cross, and a small ball at the top.

pan-de-muerto2

It’s round shape represents the cycle of life and death, the knobs represent the bones of the departed, and the ball represents the skull. It is traditionally infused with orange blossom water to remember our deceased loved ones. The shape of the cross is said to represent the 4 cardinal points, each one dedicated to a different god Tezcatlipoca, Tlaloc, Quetzalcóatl y Xipetotec.

Altar de muertos, a table with pictures, candles, bread, a cross

There are many different kinds of pan de muerto some shaped like animals, plants or trees, people, and fantastic creatures. You can find them filled with nata (clotted cream), whipped cream, cajeta, and dried fruits. I prefer mine unfilled and dipped in hot chocolate.

Vegan pan de muerto filled with chocolate surrounded by marigolds and a colorful skull

I love being able to share all these traditions with my children, and it’s a beautiful way of honoring my ancestors, and the loved ones that have gone before me. My 4 year old was saying that she didn’t understand why Jesus had to die. I explained a little bit, and then told her that we would all die one day. She got super quiet and said, ” But if we all die, who will put my picture on the altar??” So cute!! Feliz Día de los Muertos.

Vegan pan de muerto filled with chocolate, a hand is reaching in to take a piece

Vegan pan de muerto filled with chocolate surrounded by marigolds and a colorful skull
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Chocolate Filled Vegan Pan de Muerto

This vegan pan de muerto is filled with a sweet chocolate "cream", and dusted with a sprinkling of sugar. Serve with Mexican hot chocolate
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword day of the dead, pan de muerto, vegan
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 6 people
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

Preparation

  1. Once you have baked your vegan pan de muerto. Let it cool completely. If it's not completely cooled down the chocolate hummus will not hold it's shape.

  2. Fill a piping bag with a star tip with the chocolate hummus. 

  3. Cut your pan de muerto in half (lengthwise), and pipe chocolate hummus on the bottom half of the bread. Place the other half on top, and serve.

Chef's Notes

If you can't find chocolate hummus at your local grocery you can make your own.

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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
4.34 from 3 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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Best Vegan Mexican Chocolate Brands

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It’s the irresistible aroma of chocolate and cinnamon that I first think of when I’m offered hot chocolate. Mexican hot chocolate is not your ordinary cacao powder and milk, oh no, and somebody needs to say this, but adding cinnamon to your hot chocolate does not make it Mexican. It is one of my culinary pet peeves. So what are the best vegan Mexican chocolate brands and what makes them so different?

Find out which is the best Mexican hot chocolate.

 

Not only that it comes from Mexico, but the process used to make it is unique in itself. Mexican chocolate for beverages is sold in tablets not powder, it is made by toasting, and grinding cacao beans with sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. It is then packed into a mold and formed into a tablet. To make into a beverage simply dissolve a couple of pieces of the tablet in hot milk. If the chocolate is of high quality you can dissolve it in water, milk is not necessary. The video below, from Saveur.com shows you exactly how chocolate tablets are made in Mexico.

 

 

The Best Vegan Brand of Mexican Chocolate

There are four Mexican chocolate brands most commonly available in the US: Abuelita, Ibarra, Hernan, and Taza. We tested all four of them for you with Almond-coconut milk.

These Mexican hot chocolate popsicles (paletas de chocolate) are creamy and sweet, chocolaty and rich, with a touch of cinnamon.

Best Overall:

Hernan Mexican hot chocolate is made with stone-ground ORGANIC cocoa beans from a bio-diversified plantation in Chiapas. It is made in Mexico and imported into the US. I found Hernán to have the most authentic flavor and quality. It has a strong chocolate flavor, but it is not overpowering. It is the tight amount of sweet, and the foam is thick and a bit airy. It contains only four ingredients: cacao beans, sugar, cinnamon, and soy lecithin. The downfall is that it is available mostly online and in select stores. The price is reasonable for the quality of the chocolate at $10 for a box of 6 tablillas (6 cups of hot chocolate).

 

What is the best vegan brand of Mexican chocolate? This taste test will decide once which one makes the best cup of steaming hot chocolate.

Second Best: Taza Chocolate 

Taza is produced here in the US using the same process described in the video above. It is intensely chocolaty, aromatic, not too sweet, but with a hint of bitterness. The foam is thick, not at all airy. It contains only three ingredients: cacao beans, sugar, and cinnamon. It is also certified USDA organic, non-GMO, certified gluten-free, and vegan. The only downside is the price, $5.oo. It really isn’t too expensive, but one package will only make you two cups of hot chocolate.

What is the best vegan brand of Mexican chocolate? This taste test will decide once which one makes the best cup of steaming hot chocolate.

Best Budget-Friendly Chocolate: Ibarra

Ibarra is the one we buy more often, and it is a Mexican product. It has a medium chocolate flavor intensity and it is pretty sweet. There is no bitterness to it at all. The foam is airy and firm. It contains cocoa liquor, sugar, soy lecithin, and cinnamon flavoring. The price, $3.50, and it makes 24 cups of hot chocolate.

What is the best vegan brand of Mexican chocolate? This taste test will decide once which one makes the best cup of steaming hot chocolate.

Last but Not Least: Abuelita

I contacted Nestle and they confirmed that it is NOT vegan.

NOTE: Even though Nestle has said that the product is not vegan certified, there are no animal products on the ingredient list. After further inquiry this is what Nestle responded: “The evaluation for vegan claims has not been performed on this item. We therefore would advise that the product is not suitable for vegans.” 

I leave it up to yo whether you want to try it or not. That being said, Abuelita has a special place in my heart, it evokes a lot memories for me and it is extremely popular in Mexico. It has a medium chocolate flavor, is very sweet, and has no bitterness. The cinnamon flavor is strong and fragrant. The foam is airy and very firm. The downside is that it contains additives like vegetable oils, artificial flavor, and PGPR. The price, $3.25, and it makes 24 cups of chocolate.

Regardless of which one you think is the best vegan brand of Mexican chocolate, I urge to give Mexican hot chocolate a try. You won’t be disappointed. What is your favorite brand?

 

 

 

 

 

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The Best Vegan Concha Recipe

Vegan conchas, tender enriched yeast rolls topped with a crunchy cookie topping, and one of the most iconic varieties of pan dulce. Concha translates into seashell, which is exactly what this sweet bread resembles. Let me tell you, trying to make an amazing vegan concha recipe had me almost pulling my hair out!

Yeast and milk to make a vegan concha recipe

The problem was substituting the eggs. First I tried just omitting the eggs, which worked, but resulted in a dry concha. Then I tried almost every egg substitute so could think of aquafaba, flax, chia, you name it, I tried it. None of them worked like I wanted them too.

Sweet potato added to yeast

Mix sweet potato with a small whisk.

My kids absolutely loved this whole process. Eating one concha after another, giving me their honest opinion with sugar crumbs all over their tiny hands.

Add wet ingredients to dry to make vegan concha recipe

 

I almost gave up. “ I guess you can’t have everything in life,” I thought to myself. Until I tried something completely unexpected, sweet potato. Sweet potato provided just the right amount of binding and moisture my concha needed!!!

Kneaded dough to make vegan concha recipe

Risen dough to make vegan concha recipe

After this I had a little trial and error with the topping, testing out versions made with powdered sugar and shortening, and others made with granulated sugar and vegan butter. Until the most authentic Mexican vegan concha you’ve ever had came to fruition.

Balls of dough to make vegan concha recipe

Topping dough in white and hot pink colors

I had a friend on Instagram tell me that her grandma had said, that the only thing keeping her from going vegan was there thought of never having a good concha again. So hopefully this is the concha recipe that is going to convince all our abuelitas to go vegan!

 

Topping to make vegan concha recipe pressed between plastic wrap

Topping placed on top of vegan concha

The Recipe: Vegan Conchas

  • You can still make this even if you don’t have a standing mixer with a hook, you’re just going to get a good arm workout.
  • Bread flour is the best flour for this recipe. If you use another type of flour the amount of liquid you need will change.
  • You can use a knife to make the concha design if you don’t have a concha cutter .
  • You can make the topping any color you like by adding 3-5 drops of food coloring.
  • You can use the plant-milk of your choice as long as it’s unsweetened, but I found that soy milk works best.

Vegan concha recipe rising

A basket of vegan conchas with coffee

 

A basket of vegan conchas with coffee
5 from 3 votes
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The Best Vegan Concha Recipe

The best vegan concha recipe, tender enriched yeast rolls topped with a crunchy cookie topping. Try this iconic pan dulce.
Course Dessert
Cuisine Mexican
Keyword pan dulce, vegan concha
Total Time 1 day
Servings 10 Mini conchas
334 kcal
Author Dora S.

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp. (7 g.) Active Dry yeast
  • ½ + 1/8 cup (130 ml) Soy milk, room temp
  • 2 cups + 2 tbsp. (298 g.) Bread flour
  • ½ cup (78 g.) Sugar, granulated
  • ½ tsp. (2.8 g.) Salt
  • 1/3 cup (85 g.) Cooked, mashed, sweet potato
  • ½ cup (113 g.) Vegan butter (earth balance), cut into cubes, softened

Topping:

  • 1/3 cup Sugar granulated
  • 1/3 cup Vegan butter, earth balance, softened
  • ½ cup All-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp. Vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp. Ground cinnamon (optional)

Preparation

  1. In a medium bowl, dissolve the yeast in the almond milk. Let sit 5 minutes.
  2. In the bowl of a mixer, with the dough hook, combine the dry ingredients: the flour, salt, and sugar. Mix.
  3. Add the mashed sweet potato to the yeast-milk mixture, and whisk to combine.
  4. Add the wet ingredients to the flour mixture and mix on low until the dough begins to incorporate, about 3 minutes.
  5. Add the softened butter little by little and increase speed to medium. Mix for 15 min. until the dough has come off the sides of the bowl and is smooth and stretchy, but not sticky. (If the dough is too sticky add a little more flour.)
  6. Place the dough in a large oiled bowl, cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour, or until doubled in size. Punch down the dough and fold the side over unto each other and flip. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
  7. The next day take the dough from the fridge, remove the plastic wrap and cover with a towel. Let rise in a warm place (70-75F) until the dough comes to room temperature, about an hour.
  8. Divide the dough into 10 pieces weighing about 2.5 oz (70 g.), and set aside, roll them tightly into rounds and place on a sheet tray lined with parchment. Press down on the rounds to form a dome shape.
  9. Make topping: Cream butter and sugar with a whisk or hand mixer. Add vanilla, flour, and cinnamon and mix well. Knead lightly to fully incorporate. It should have the consistency of a soft play-dough. If it’s too sticky or wet add flour in small amounts until you’ve reached the right consistency.

  10. Divide topping into 10 balls the size of a large gum-ball. Take two sheet of plastic wrap, and one at a time place a ball of the topping between the two plastic sheets and press down with hand until it is large enough to cover the top of concha.

  11. Peel one side of the plastic wrap off, then take the piece of plastic wrap with the topping on it and place it down on the concha. Slowly peel of the plastic wrap. Repeat this process until all 10 conchas are done.

  12. Using a concha cutter, dusted with flour, press down on the topping and the concha to make the design. (Don’t be afraid to press down hard and flatten the concha a little.)

  13. Preheat oven to 350°F.

  14. Let conchas rise for 40 min. in a warm place (70- 75F) or until doubled in size.

  15. Bake on the middle rack of the oven for 20 -25 min. or until the sides and bottoms of your conchas are golden brown.

  16. Let bread cool completely before eating.

Chef's Notes

You can use a knife to make the concha design if you don’t have a concha cutter . Bread flour is the best flour for this recipe, if you use any other kind of flour you will have to modify the amount of soymilk. You can make the topping any color you like by adding 3-5 drops of food coloring. You can use the plant-milk of your choice as long as it’s unsweetened, but I found that soy milk works best. Recipe adapted from Fanny Gerson’s My Sweet Mexico

Nutrition Facts
The Best Vegan Concha Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 334 Calories from Fat 144
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 16g 25%
Saturated Fat 3g 15%
Sodium 223mg 9%
Potassium 103mg 3%
Total Carbohydrates 55g 18%
Dietary Fiber 2g 8%
Sugars 19g
Protein 7g 14%
Vitamin A 30.3%
Vitamin C 1.9%
Calcium 1.3%
Iron 4.7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

If you’re looking for more vegan pan dulce you can try this pan de muerto, marranitos, and hojarascas. 

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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
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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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