Plant-Based Dishes Everybody Loves
There are delicious dishes around the world that are naturally vegan. Whether you give your diet a title or not, you’ve likely eaten many of them. From European appetizers to Asian curries, here are 20 accidentally vegan staples that make our mouths water.
1. Guacamole
Yes, we’ll pay extra for guac on our burritos! Guacamole is a Mexican appetizer that’s become famous worldwide. The beloved green dip is a smooth and creamy blend of smashed avocados, fresh lime juice, garlic, tomatoes, and spices. We love to dip tortilla chips in it, smother it over our toast, or add it to our tacos.
2. Yemista
Yemista is Greek for “stuffed” which describes the very essence of this dish. Yemista is a vegetable stuffed with rice, nuts, herbs, and additional vegetables that is baked in the oven. Typically, this vegan Greek delight is served in the summer using fresh tomatoes, peppers, and veggies that are in season.
Photo and cooking: Badseed on Wikimedia
3. Muhammara
Muhammara is a nutrition-packed dip with origins from the Syrian city of Aleppo. The crimson dip is made with roasted red peppers, olive oil, and ground walnuts. The peppers give the dish a slightly sweet and smoky flavor while the ground walnuts give it a pleasant texture. Pomegranate molasses, lemon juice, and garlic are often added to brighten up the flavor with a sweet and sour zing.
4. Falafel
Falafel are protein-packed chickpea fritter balls that are a staple in many countries, especially Egypt and Israel. The fried fritters are made with a bouquet of flavors from coriander, parsley, garlic, onion, and cumin and make the best pita sandwich fillers.
5. Maakouda
Maakouda are perfect potato fritters traditional to the Maghreb region of Africa. They’re made by boiling and mashing potatoes into patties with flour, garlic, and parsley then deep-fried to a golden brown. These divine hot potatoes are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside.
6. Mahjouba
Mahjouba is one of the most popular street foods in Algeria. It’s a thick and buttery crepe-like flatbread you wouldn’t know was vegan. The flaky flatbread is made from semolina and is typically stuffed with a caramelized onion and tomato filling.
7. Hummus
This rich chickpea dip is an iconic vegan snack that has grown popular worldwide. It’s a rich and creamy dip with a base of chickpeas, tahini, and garlic that is combined with an array of ingredients for various flavors. We love it with veggies, pita, crackers, or as a spread on sandwiches.
8. Fattoush
Fattoush is a fresh Lebanese salad with torn pita bread that is often grilled or fried. The salad is typically made with tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and a generous amount of herbs like mint and parsley. The standout ingredient is sumac, a spice commonly used in Lebanese cuisine that gives the dressing a pleasantly tart and zesty flavor.
Arousing Appetites on Wikimedia
9. Beguni
Beguni is a simple street food staple in Bangladesh and India consisting of deep-fried eggplant slices. The eggplant is usually dipped in batter with gram flour, rice, and spices like turmeric, chili powder, and cumin. Serve them with a side of chutney and you’re in for a flavor explosion.
10. Spaghetti Aglio E Olio
Spaghetti aglio e olio is the fancy Italian name for spaghetti with garlic and oil. It’s simply just that–– three quality ingredients. The Italians are renowned for their cuisine and they know when less is more. Some people like to add crushed chili for a spicy kick.
11. Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a hearty Indian curry dish originating from Maharashtra. The hot curry bowl is made with sprouted moth beans topped with chilis, potatoes, onions, and chivda. Pav are bread rolls used to soak up the vibrant curry flavors.
12. Bruschetta
This popular Italian appetizer is traditionally made vegan and it never disappoints. With a thick crusty bread topped with fresh chopped tomatoes, garlic, basil, sea salt, and a drizzle of olive oil, there’s no wonder it’s served at every Italian restaurant.
13. Dal Bhat
Dal Bhat is a staple soup dish in Nepal that’s made from a healthy dose of lentils and rice. It’s often served with roti to mop it all up. For extra flavor, spicy chutneys, vegetable curries, or South Asian pickles are often served with it.
Subhashish Panigrahi on Wikimedia
14. Topik
Topik takes you on a flavorful textural experience with every bite. It’s a traditional Armenian dish made with a potato and chickpea shell that wraps around a decadent paste. The filling is made from onions, currants, pine nuts, tahini, and olive oil, sprinkled with cinnamon and allspice, and finished with a squirt of lemon juice.
15. Miso Soup
This traditional Japanese soup is commonly served at breakfast in Japan but is a staple appetizer in most Japanese restaurants in the United States. The vegan soy-based soup is made from miso paste, seaweed, and tofu and is said to have medicinal benefits. It’s like a salty warm hug on your insides.
16. Aloo Gobi
Many Indian dishes are naturally plant-based and chockfull of flavor and nutrients. Aloo Gobi is a prime example. The key ingredients are cauliflower, potatoes, and onions that slowly simmer in a sauce of spices like turmeric, cumin, chili, and coriander. It’s often served with rice, naan, and chutney to complete this perfect vegan dish.
17. Tempe Orek
Tempe Orek is Indonesia’s favorite way to prepare tempeh. Tempeh is rich in protein made from soy and delivers a meaty texture. Tempe Orek is sweet and salty stir-fried tempeh glazed in a sauce made from chili peppers, onions, garlic, kefir lime leaves, galangal, tamarind, and palm sugar.
18. Patacones
Patacones are a favorite appetizer in Central and South American countries like Costa Rica. The simple snack is made from plantains that are made with a special process that consists of smashing ripe plantains and frying them in a generous amount of hot oil. Served with guac, refried beans, and fresh pico de gallo.
19. Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a French cuisine that’s accidentally vegan and delicious. It’s a colorful vegetable medley of eggplant, zucchini, tomatoes, bell peppers, onions, garlic, and parsley that is tossed and simmered slowly to develop a vibrant flavor.
20. Prebranac
Originating from Serbia, this soupy dish is made from baked beans, Hungarian paprika, onions, and oil. Onion-coated beans create a creamy and soothing texture profile. It’s a hearty soup often served with crusty bread perfect for a meal on a chilly day.
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