Chicago Vegan Foods Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Chicago is a city known for its rich culinary traditions and iconic dishes, but did you know it also offers a vibrant and innovative vegan food scene? From deep-dish pizzas reimagined without cheese to hearty Chicago-style hot dogs made plant-based, vegan Chicago cuisine is as diverse and satisfying as the city itself.

Whether you’re a longtime vegan, a curious foodie, or simply someone who loves bold flavors, exploring Chicago vegan food recipes is a delightful way to experience the city’s creativity through plants.

In this post, we’ll dive into some must-try Chicago-inspired vegan recipes that capture the essence of the city’s famous flavors while keeping everything 100% plant-based. Expect comforting, filling meals that bring together fresh ingredients, robust spices, and clever substitutions to make every bite memorable.

Ready to bring a taste of the Windy City into your kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicago vegan foods recipes combine the best of hearty Midwestern comfort food with the health-conscious benefits of plant-based eating. These recipes are designed to satisfy cravings for classic Chicago dishes like deep-dish pizza and stuffed Italian beef sandwiches, but without animal products.

You’ll love how these meals are rich in flavor, packed with wholesome ingredients, and surprisingly easy to prepare at home.

Whether you’re entertaining friends, feeding a family, or meal prepping for the week, these recipes offer versatility, nutrition, and that unmistakable Chicago flair. Plus, by choosing vegan options, you’re supporting more sustainable food choices without sacrificing taste or satisfaction.

These recipes are a perfect gateway to exploring more vegan cooking and discovering new favorites along the way.

Ingredients

• For Vegan Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza:
• 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 package active dry yeast (2 ¼ tsp)
• 1 cup warm water (110°F)
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 cup vegan mozzarella cheese shreds
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup sliced mushrooms
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• For Vegan Chicago-Style Hot Dog:
• 4 vegan hot dog sausages
• 4 hot dog buns (preferably Chicago-style poppy seed buns)
• ½ cup yellow mustard
• ½ cup chopped white onions
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1 dill pickle spear per hot dog
• 1 cup sport peppers, sliced
• 1 cup neon green relish
• Celery salt for sprinkling
• For Vegan Italian Beef Sandwich:
• 1 lb seitan or jackfruit (shredded)
• 4 Italian hoagie rolls
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ cup giardiniera (pickled vegetables)

Equipment

• Large mixing bowls
• Pizza pan or deep-dish pizza pan
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Medium skillet
• Oven and stovetop
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Baking sheet
• Tongs

Instructions

Vegan Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza

1. Prepare the dough: In a bowl, dissolve the yeast and sugar in warm water. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until foamy.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then stir until a dough forms.
3. Knead the dough: Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for about 7 minutes until smooth and elastic. Place in an oiled bowl, cover with a cloth, and let rise for 1 hour.
4. Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
5. Shape the dough: After rising, press the dough into a greased deep-dish pizza pan, making sure to cover the bottom and sides evenly.
6. Add toppings: Layer vegan mozzarella cheese first, then sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions.
7. Prepare tomato sauce: In a small saucepan, heat crushed tomatoes with garlic, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper for 10 minutes.
8. Assemble and bake: Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the toppings. Bake for 30-35 minutes until crust is golden and sauce bubbles.
9. Cool and serve: Let the pizza cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Enjoy your hearty vegan Chicago-style deep-dish!

Vegan Chicago-Style Hot Dog

1. Cook the vegan sausages: Grill or pan-fry the vegan hot dogs until browned and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Prepare the buns: Lightly toast the poppy seed buns on the grill or in a toaster for added texture.
3. Assemble the hot dogs: Place each sausage in a bun. Spread yellow mustard along the length of the sausage.
4. Add toppings: Generously add chopped onions, diced tomatoes, sport peppers, neon green relish, and a dill pickle spear.
5. Finish with celery salt: Sprinkle celery salt over the assembled hot dogs for that authentic Chicago flavor.
6. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite chips or a side salad.

Vegan Italian Beef Sandwich

1. Prepare the seitan or jackfruit: If using seitan, shred it into strips. For jackfruit, drain well and shred the pieces.
2. Make the beef broth: In a skillet, combine vegetable broth, soy sauce, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Bring to a simmer.
3. Simmer the “beef”: Add the shredded seitan or jackfruit to the broth mixture. Simmer uncovered for 10-15 minutes until well-flavored and slightly reduced.
4. Toast the rolls: Lightly toast Italian hoagie rolls to warm and crisp the bread.
5. Assemble the sandwiches: Fill each roll generously with the “beef” mixture, then top with giardiniera for a tangy, spicy kick.
6. Serve hot: Serve with extra broth on the side for dipping, just like a traditional Chicago Italian beef sandwich.

Tips & Variations

For the perfect vegan deep-dish crust, don’t rush the dough rising process—it makes all the difference for that classic thick, chewy texture.

Feel free to customize your hot dog toppings! Add grilled onions or swap the sport peppers for jalapeños if you like extra heat.

Try adding vegan sausage or tempeh bacon to the Italian beef sandwich for added protein and texture. For a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking mix in the pizza dough and choose gluten-free buns for the hot dogs.

To explore more plant-based meals inspired by global flavors, check out our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or warm up with comforting dishes from our Chili Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

These Chicago vegan classics pair wonderfully with fresh side dishes like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. For a true Chicago-style meal, serve your deep-dish pizza with a side of garlic bread or vegan ranch dressing.

Complement the hot dogs with homemade baked fries or a tangy coleslaw. The Italian beef sandwich is fantastic with a side of crispy giardiniera or vegan au jus sauce for dipping.

For dessert, try something sweet and simple like our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious to round out your Chicago-inspired feast.

Conclusion

Exploring Chicago vegan foods recipes is a wonderful way to enjoy the city’s bold flavors while embracing plant-based eating. These recipes not only honor the classic dishes Chicago is famous for but also elevate them with creative, wholesome ingredients that anyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re craving the hearty, cheesy goodness of a deep-dish pizza or the tangy zest of a hot dog loaded with all the traditional toppings, these vegan versions deliver on every level.

By making these recipes part of your kitchen repertoire, you’re supporting your health, the environment, and compassionate eating—all without compromising on taste or experience. Don’t forget to explore more exciting vegan recipes like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes to keep your meals flavorful and fresh.

Happy cooking and enjoy a delicious slice of Chicago right at home!

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