If you’re looking for new and exciting vegan recipes to add to your repertoire, you’ve come to the right place. The world is vast, and within it, you will find hundreds of different cultures, each with unique culinary traditions. So why not explore some of these cuisines by whipping up a few vegan-friendly dishes in your kitchen? This post will help you explore recipes from around the world that are perfect for vegans. From Thai curries to Spanish tapas, there is something for everyone in this roundup! So get your cookbooks ready, and let’s get cooking!
How Many Cultures Eat Vegan?
Though people think of the vegan lifestyle as a relatively recent phenomenon, many cultures worldwide have been eating vegan for centuries. In India, for example, most Hindus are strict vegetarians, and there is a long history of Buddhist monks abstaining from all animal products. In China, the traditional Buddhist diet is also vegan, and many Confucians believe eating meat is disrespectful to one’s ancestors.
Even in the west, several ancient cultures practiced vegetarianism, including the Pythagoreans of Greece and the Essenes of Judea. Today, with more people than ever adopting veganism for ethical or environmental reasons, it’s clear that this way of eating is here to stay.
Vegan Recipes From Around The World
Once you realize how many other cultures eat vegan, it’s not hard to find delicious recipes from all over the globe that are perfect for vegans. The following are some delicious options to get you started:
Thai Red Curry
This red curry is a beloved staple in Thai cuisine. It’s traditionally made with chicken but can easily be veganized by removing the chicken. The key to making a good red curry is in the paste; be sure to use a high-quality paste for the best flavor. Serve over steamed rice for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 1 (14-ounce) can of light coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil over medium heat in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the onion and bell pepper and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, curry powder, ginger, turmeric, and salt, and cook for 1 minute longer.
2. Add the chicken broth and coconut milk and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer until the vegetables are very soft, about 30 minutes.
3. Remove the soup from the heat and let it cool slightly. Purée in a blender or food processor until smooth. Return the soup to the pot or Dutch oven and stir in the red curry paste until well combined—season with sugar to taste. Reheat over low heat before serving with a side of rice!
Avocado Ceviche
This dish is a refreshing and light vegan take on the classic Latin American seafood dish. The avocado provides a creamy base for the ceviche, while the fresh lime juice and cilantro give it a bright flavor. Serve with tortilla chips or on top of crispy tostadas for a complete meal.
Ingredients:
- 24 ounces firm tofu, drained and cubed
- ½ cup freshly squeezed lime juice (about three limes)
- ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ? teaspoon chili powder
- Pinch of salt
- One avocado, diced into small cubes
- One large tomato, diced into small cubes
- One small jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves
- Tortilla chips or tostadas for serving
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, combine the tofu, lime juice, red onion, cumin, chili powder, and salt. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- After the tofu has marinated, add the avocado, tomato, jalapeño pepper, and cilantro and stir gently to combine.
- Serve with tortilla chips or on top of tostadas.
