Most of us aren’t able to get away to some tropical island this summer. However, there are still so many great ways to get a taste of vacation. Cooking with global flavors is always fun and exciting as some of the most flavorful dishes come from the islands of […]
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Most of us aren’t able to get away to some tropical island this summer. However, there are still so many great ways to get a taste of vacation. Cooking with global flavors is always fun and exciting as some of the most flavorful dishes come from the islands of the Caribbean. With its bold flavors and hot spices, Caribbean food is a must-try!
We also highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help you get healthy!
1. Caribbean Mango Black Beans
Sometimes you need something easy to make that’s good enough for company. These Caribbean Mango Black Beans by Kathy Hester have a hint of sweetness from the mango with a layer of spiciness underneath. You can halve this recipe if you aren’t serving a crowd, or you can freeze the leftovers for another night. Serve over rice, in a burrito, or by themselves as a side.
2. Caramelized Plantains With Coconut Cream
These Caribbean-inspired Caramelized Plantains With Coconut Cream by Anna Bannister are the perfect side dish or appetizer for a summer meal. The outsides get crunchy, the insides stay tender, and they’re the perfect balance of savory and sweet. The delicious coconut cream and flakes will transport you straight to Puerto Rico.
3. Jerk Cauliflower Tacos
You could buy pre-made jerk seasoning at the store. But – making your own seasoning for this is something else: Slow building heat, layers on layers on layers of flavor, and the slightest hint of sweetness from a dash of sugar (which also helps the cauliflower crisp up!). Make a big batch of this jerk cauliflower by Jordan and Clark Cord and the possibilities are endless. Pack it into rice bowls. Toss it into a salad with your favorite veggies. Wrap it in a tortilla with all of the fixings for a lunch burrito or awesome Jerk Cauliflower Tacos.
4. Caribbean Jerk Chili
Chili’s not just for winter — this Caribbean Jerk Chili by Vegan: The Cookbook is a world of sweet, spicy, tropical flavors. A creamy, coconut milk chili base is packed with red beans, sweet bell pepper, and other veggies along with juicy mango and a squeeze of tart lime juice. A garnish of fresh cilantro is the perfect finishing touch.
5. Jamaican ‘Beef’ Patties With Cheese
Just like authentic patties, these Jamaican ‘Beef’ Patties With Cheese by Rhea Parsons have a spicy filling of “beef” and cheese surrounded by a dough that’s flaky and flavorful. They can be filled with greens, veggies, tofu, seitan, or whatever you love. This filling is TVP (“Textured Vegetable Protein,” which can be found in the health food aisle of most grocery stores) but you could also use all neat meat replacement, burger crumbles, soy crumbles, or for the healthiest version, lentils.
6. Mango Daquiri
This Mango Daquiri recipe by Mireille Aikman with not only mango but fresh pineapple as well. You can drink this on any occasion whether summer or winter, spring, or fall. This cocktail is timeless.
7. Jamaican Curried Tofu With Chickpeas
Curried meat is a traditional Jamaican dish. What about Jamaican Curried Tofu With Chickpeas? This recipe by Rhea Parsons uses tofu for a delicious vegan version. It could also be made with just chickpeas and potatoes for an equally tasty meal. To make it less spicy, you can skip the chile pepper and/or use fewer red pepper flakes. You have to try this curried Jamaican tofu! It’s so good!
8. Tropical Chia Fruit Cups
Packed with fiber, vitamins, and other good things, these Tropical Chia Fruit Cups by Julie Zimmer are great to have at breakfast, for dessert, or as a mid-day snack. And, they are SO EASY to put together. You can even add your personal touch by substituting the mango and orange with other fresh fruit or berries that you prefer or have.
9. Caribbean Chocolate Smoothie: Coconut, Rum, and Cacao
This Caribbean Chocolate Smoothie: Coconut, Rum, and Cacao by Clémence Moulaert is the best of both worlds; cool summer foods and hearty winter fare meeting in the middle.
10. A Touch of the Tropics Rice Bowl
There has to be a rice bowl in your repertoire. It’s such a good way to enjoy so many different kinds of fruits and veggies. ThisTouch of the Tropics Rice Bowl by Ginny McMeans showcases the tastes of the tropics!
11. Caribbean Red Rice Salad With Chili- Apricot Dressing
So here’s the deal with red rice: it’s just like brown rice but has a nutty flavor and a denser texture. The Caribbean Red Rice Salad With Chili- Apricot Dressing is red because it contains antioxidant pigments known as anthocyanins. It’s also very high in nutrients because the germ of the rice is left intact. But don’t sweat it if you can’t get your hands on red rice—you can easily just use black or brown rice, as they will not change the recipe’s taste much. This recipe by Annie LePage is bursting with slightly spicy and sweet flavors. You will most likely go for a second serving!
12. Tropical Ceviche and Tangy Tofu
Ceviche is a great way to stay cool in the summertime and enjoy all the fresh, fruity flavors the season has to offer. This Tropical Ceviche and Tangy Tofu recipe by Cara Carin features sweet melons like cantaloupe and papaya, crisp jicama, zesty lime, and more! It is paired with tangy, tamari, and maple-glazed tofu.
13. Tropical Acai Bowl
Craving the perfect smoothie bowl? Try out this Tropical Acai Bowl by Kirsten Kaminski!
14. Jamaican Tofu Scramble
Celebrate Caribbean food with this delicious tofu scramble. This fusion Jamaican Tofu Scramble dish by Annabelle Randles uses traditional Caribbean foods like ackee (a mild tasting fruit that pairs well with savory dishes) and callaloo (similar to spinach) along with the typical tofu scramble seasonings like turmeric, garlic, and coriander. The result is a unique and supremely flavorful entrée that can be enjoyed for breakfast or brunch!
15. Pineapple Island Kebabs
These Pineapple Island Kebabs by Rhea Parsons will transport you to the land of sunshine and cool breezes. These Island Tofu Kebabs have their tofu (or seitan) and vegetables marinated in a sweet and spicy blend of orange juice, garlic, and ginger. When pineapple is grilled, it becomes a whole new thing. So delicious! Use whatever makes you happy – tofu, seitan, tempeh, mushrooms, zucchini, peppers, whatever. So when you fire up the grill today, tomorrow, or any day, make my Island Tofu Kebabs. They’ll make any day feel like you’re on a tropical island summer vacation. Enjoy!
Learn How to Cook Plant-Based Meals at Home!
Reducing your meat intake and eating more plant-based foods is known to help with chronic inflammation, heart health, mental well-being, fitness goals, nutritional needs, allergies, gut health, and more! Dairy consumption also has been linked to many health problems, including acne, hormonal imbalance, cancer, and prostate cancer, and has many side effects.
For those of you interested in eating more plant-based, we highly recommend downloading the Food Monster App — with over 15,000 delicious recipes it is the largest plant-based recipe resource to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy! And, while you are at it, we encourage you to also learn about the environmental and health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Here are some great resources to get you started:
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