Feeling an itch to travel? One way to curb that travel craving is by venturing the globe with your fork and knife at the comfort of your own home. These global plant-based recipes can help shake up your typical meals into a whole experience without having to prepare any animal products as a bonus!
Trying different foods from around the world isn’t just fun, it’s also a great way to sneak in new flavours, textures, and nutrients. In fact, Health Canada recommends variety in your diet to help support overall health, and plant-based meals are a great place to start.
Plant-based meals are not only cost-effective and beneficial for your health, but they also significantly reduce your carbon footprint compared to diets high in animal products. Plus, it’s always a bonus when your dinner can transport you somewhere new, even if it’s just from your kitchen table.
To get you started, here are 10 plant-based dishes from around the world:
1. Peanut Enchiladas
Encacahuatadas - Peanut Enchiladas | Fueled Naturally
Starting off in Mexico, peanut enchiladas not only substitute out meat, but different modifications and toppings can elevate this meal into a beautiful mix of Mexican flavours and your ideal ingredients! If you have a peanut or tree nut allergy, feel free to substitute with sesame seeds and paste (tahini).
2. Ceviche de Chochos
Jumping down south to Peru, we have a traditional Ecuadorian dish. This dish has a beautiful blend of textures and is definitely worth a try!
3. White Bean Fettuccine Alfredo with peas and sundried tomatoes
20 Best-Ever Vegan Italian Recipes - Forks Over Knives
Who doesn’t love a good Italian pasta dish? This one is complete with a high protein, plant-based twist where the beans are blended into the sauce! A great hack for getting in some extra protein.
4. Topik
Topik/Թոփիկ Recipe! – Vegan Armenian Kitchen
While we’re in Europe, let's explore a traditional dish from Armenia called Topik. Topik has a beautiful contrast of flavours that will leave you wanting more. The bitterness from the tahini mixed with the tart sweetness of the currants are pulled together with the creaminess of pine nuts. Definitely a must-try.
5. Bissara
Bissara is a traditional Moroccan soup made from fava beans. The best part about Bissara is that it’s naturally plant-based! You can eat Bissara just as is or you can use it as a dip, a versatile staple!
6. Tempe Orek
Tempe Orek (Indonesian Stir-fried Tempeh) - Veggie Anh
This Indonesian-style stir fry uses tempeh which is a wonderful example of the variety of plant-based proteins. Pair this dish with some grains and vegetables and it will be a beautiful array of sweet and savoury smells in your kitchen!
7. Pho Chay
Vietnamese Vegan Pho Noodle Soup (Pho Chay) - Delightful Plate
The chilly winter months are here and nothing screams warmth like a good bowl of Pho. This classic Vietnamese dish can easily be modified into a plant-based soup!
8. Red Lentil Soup
Lebanese Red Lentil Soup- The Salt and Sweet Kitchen
This red lentil soup is another cold weather must-have. I use this as a base to add other spices, toppings, or sides (usually rice). Red lentil soup is a vastly consumed dish from places such as Lebanon, Turkey, Palestine, Syria, and more.
9. Jamaican Chickpea Curry
Jamaican Chickpea Curry (Authentic & Delicious) - Ital Eats and Treats
This curry will not disappoint with its layers of complex, yet complimentary flavours. The scent will leave your neighbours jealous and your mouth watering.
10. Miso, Tofu, and Mushroom Takikomi Gohan
Vegan Miso, Tofu and Mushroom Takikomi Gohan
Venturing over to Japan, we have this plant-based Takikiomi Gohan that is yet another comforting meal that is nutrient dense. As a tofu and rice lover myself, this recipe is one of my personal favourite bowls to prepare for the week!
What a journey we’ve been on! From creamy pastas to fragrant soups and spicy stews, these international plant-based dishes prove you don’t need meat to enjoy bold, authentic, and nourishing meals.
