Celebrate Caribbean American Heritage Month with these five recipes that put a plant-based twist on Caribbean cuisine.
1. Plantain Curry
When I was vacationing in Belize last summer, I devoured a version of this Caribbean plantain curry every single day (see below)—it was that delicious! This curry from That Girl Cooks Healthy uses bell pepper, kidney beans, spinach, and of course, plump plantain.
2. Callaloo Rice
Rice dishes are a staple of Caribbean cooking, and this callaloo rice from Ital Eats and Treats will not disappoint! Callaloo is a leafy green that Tiffany, the founder of Ital Eats and Treats, calls “the spinach of the Caribbean.” (And I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for any rice dish that calls for coconut milk!)
3. Jamaican Fried Dumplings
The star of the show in this recipe from Plant Crazii is ackee, a fruit with a delicate, buttery texture that is typically paired with saltfish—the national dish of Jamaica. In this vegan variation, it’s layered on top of fluffy fried dumplings to make the perfect comfort dish.
4. Jerk Lentils
Looking for a high-protein meal that will leave you full for hours? These jerk lentils from Vegan Caribbean Recipes have you covered! Any jerk seasoning will work here—just be sure to cook the lentils low and slow for maximum flavor.
5. Trinidadian Black Cake
Our lineup wouldn’t be complete without something sweet! I’ve been meaning to attempt to make a vegan black cake for years now, and this recipe from ExSloth has fully remotivated me! Traditionally baked for the holiday season, black cake is filled with dried fruits like cherries and raisins, as well as the showstopper: plenty of Caribbean rum. Its name is derived from the black color achieved by its caramelized sugar.
(Bonus: the unaffiliated novel Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson is worth a read—and will have you craving this cake even more!)