Craving something exotic and fancy from around the world? Let’s try unique Cuban food for some rich flavors. Traditional Cuban vegetarian food has rich, bright tastes. Rich, satisfying meals are made with fresh veggies, beans, grains, and spices. Popular dishes include “arroz con frijoles” (rice with beans), “tostones” (fried plantains), and “yuca con mojo” (cassava with garlic sauce). Whether you’re craving heavy stews or light, aromatic sides, vegetarian Cuban food is tasty and authentic. Let savour the real flavour of Cuba!
What’s So Good About Cuban Food?
Caribbean food has its own flavors but what’s all the popularity about? Cuban food delights vegetarians and vegans with strong flavors, fresh vegetables, and colorful spices. Stews and rice dishes from Cuba can be made vegetarian or vegan without losing flavor. Cuban cuisine has something for everyone, from vegetarian to vegan.
- Rich flavors: Combines hearty spices and fresh vegetables.
- Versatile recipes: Easily adapted to vegetarian or vegan needs.
- Authentic dishes: Enjoy vegetarian Cuban dishes without compromising traditional charm.
Here are 11 delicious Cuban vegetarian recipes that will transport your taste buds to the vibrant island of Cuba;
Vegan Cuban Picadillo
A plant-based version of the classic Cuban picadillo, made with lentils or plant-based meat, green olives, raisins, and a blend of spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup lentils or plant-based ground meat
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil.
- Add lentils or plant-based meat and cook until browned.
- Stir in tomato sauce, olives, raisins, cumin, and season with salt and pepper.
- Simmer for 10 minutes, and serve over rice.
Vegan Ropa Vieja
A plant-based version of the shredded beef dish, made with jackfruit, bell peppers, onions, and a rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 can jackfruit, drained and shredded
- 1 onion, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil.
- Add shredded jackfruit, cumin, and salt. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce, simmer for 15-20 minutes.
- Serve with rice.
A Cuban favorite, plantains are twice fried to crispy perfection and served with a garlic dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains
- Olive oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel plantains and cut them into 1-inch slices.
- Fry slices in hot oil until golden, remove and flatten with a tostonera or fork.
- Fry again until crispy, season with salt.
- Serve with garlic sauce or mojo.
Cuban Black Beans and Rice
A simple yet flavorful dish with black beans, rice, garlic, onions, and Cuban spices.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans (canned or cooked)
- 1 cup rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice according to package instructions.
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add beans, cumin, bay leaf, and salt. Simmer for 10 minutes.
- Serve black beans over rice.
A vegan twist on the classic Cuban sandwich, made with plant-based protein, mustard, and pickles.
Ingredients
- Cuban-style bread
- 1/2 cup vegan deli slices (tempeh or seitan)
- 1/4 cup mustard
- 1/4 cup pickles
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
Instructions
- Spread mustard on bread, layer with vegan deli slices, and add pickles.
- Butter the outside of the bread, and grill until crispy.
- Serve with a side of plantain chips.
Vegan Cuban Rice and Beans
A Cuban comfort food made with black beans, rice, onions, and a variety of spices for a flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 cup black beans
- 1 cup white rice
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook rice as usual.
- Sauté onions and garlic in olive oil, add beans, cumin, salt, and pepper.
A plant-based version of the Cuban classic, made with peas, bell peppers, and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 cups rice
- 1/2 cup peas
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, and garlic in olive oil.
- Add rice, peas, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Cook rice with enough water (2 cups) until tender.
Cuban Style Plantains
Sweet plantains, sliced and fried for a deliciously sweet side dish.
Ingredients
- 2 ripe plantains
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Peel and slice plantains into 1-inch pieces.
- Fry in olive oil until golden and crispy.
- Sprinkle with salt and serve.
Golden, crispy turnovers stuffed with spiced vegetables, olives, and raisins.
Ingredients
- 1 package empanada dough
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 bell pepper, chopped
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1/4 cup green olives, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Cumin, salt, and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions, bell peppers, raisins, and olives in olive oil.
- Spoon filling into empanada dough circles, fold, and seal.
Vegan Cuban Mojo
A tangy, garlicky sauce perfect for dipping plantains or drizzling on your Cuban dishes.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Heat over low heat for 5 minutes until fragrant.
- Serve with plantains or any Cuban dish.
A hearty stew filled with vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and spices.
Ingredients
- 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 carrot, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Sauté onions and bell peppers in olive oil until softened.
- Add potatoes, carrots, tomatoes, cumin, and salt. Simmer until vegetables are tender.
- Serve hot as a filling meal.
Enjoy these delicious and authentic vegetarian Cuban food that bring a taste of Cuba to your kitchen, perfect for any occasion!
Wrapping Up
Summing up, bold flavors and warm cuisine are vegetarian Cuban specialties. They make classics like vegan Cuban picadillo and ropa vieja with bell peppers and green olives lively vegetarian dishes.
In conclusion, explore vegetarian Cuban food, try your own vegan Cuban dishes, or scroll down for more inspiration. Explore vegetarian Cuban cuisine today!
SAVOUR THE TASTE OF THE CARRIBEAN!