Black Lime Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Black lime, also known as dried lime or loomi, is a unique and flavorful ingredient that adds a deep, tangy, and slightly smoky essence to dishes. Popular in Middle Eastern and Persian cuisines, black lime transforms simple vegan recipes into extraordinary culinary experiences with its earthy citrus punch.

Whether you’re looking to infuse soups, stews, or rice dishes with a bold zest, black lime is incredibly versatile and easy to use. In this blog post, we’ll explore several exciting black lime recipes vegan style that are not only delicious but also simple to prepare at home.

From hearty stews to refreshing salads, these recipes will elevate your cooking and introduce you to new tastes and aromas.

If you’re a plant-based food lover eager to experiment or simply want to incorporate more diverse flavors into your diet, these recipes are perfect for you. Plus, black lime is packed with antioxidants and adds a unique twist without overwhelming other ingredients, making it a great addition to your vegan cooking arsenal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black lime’s complex flavor profile is the star of these vegan recipes. Unlike fresh limes, dried black lime offers a deep smokiness with a hint of tartness that can brighten and balance savory dishes.

Using black lime in vegan dishes enhances flavors without relying on animal-based broths or dairy, making your meals naturally rich and satisfying.

Additionally, black lime is a pantry-friendly ingredient with a long shelf life, so you can store it easily and add it to your recipes whenever you want a burst of citrusy umami.

Ingredients

  • 2 whole black limes (dried lime)
  • 1 cup basmati rice (rinsed and soaked for 30 minutes)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish
  • 1 cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
  • 1 medium carrot, diced (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Colander (for rinsing chickpeas and rice)
  • Serving bowls

Instructions

  1. Prepare the black limes: Using a small knife, gently pierce each dried lime a few times to allow the flavors to infuse into the broth later. Set aside.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
  3. Spice it up: Add ground cumin, smoked paprika, turmeric powder, and salt to the onions and garlic. Stir well to toast the spices for 1 minute, enhancing their aroma.
  4. Add tomato paste and vegetables: Stir in the tomato paste, diced carrot, and chopped tomatoes (if using). Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes soften.
  5. Add broth and black limes: Pour in the vegetable broth and add the pierced black limes. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  6. Add rice and chickpeas: Drain the soaked rice and add it to the pot along with the chickpeas. Cover and simmer gently until the rice is tender and the liquid is absorbed, about 15-20 minutes.
  7. Final touches: Remove the black limes from the pot (they will be bitter if left too long). Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and dried mint if desired.
  8. Serve and garnish: Fluff the rice with a fork, garnish with fresh cilantro, and enjoy your flavorful vegan black lime rice dish.

Tips & Variations

“To maximize the flavor of black lime, always pierce them or crush into smaller pieces before adding to your dishes.”

  • Try using black lime powder instead of whole black limes for quicker cooking and easy seasoning.
  • Add other vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers for a more robust stew.
  • Mix in toasted nuts or seeds like pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrition.
  • For a soup version, add more vegetable broth and blend partially for a creamy texture.
  • Use black lime in vegan marinades for tofu or tempeh for a smoky citrus flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 9g
Carbohydrates 55g
Fat 7g
Fiber 8g
Vitamin C 15% DV
Iron 20% DV

Serving Suggestions

This black lime vegan rice dish pairs beautifully with fresh salads or steamed greens such as kale or spinach. For a heartier meal, serve alongside grilled vegetables or roasted chickpeas.

Try topping with a dollop of vegan yogurt or tahini sauce for a creamy contrast. It also works great as a side dish to vegan kebabs or falafel.

More Black Lime Vegan Recipes to Explore

Expand your culinary repertoire with these fantastic vegan recipes featuring black lime:

  • Black Lime & Lentil Soup: A comforting bowl that combines earthy lentils with the smoky tang of black lime for an immune-boosting meal.
  • Black Lime Quinoa Salad: A refreshing and protein-packed salad with quinoa, fresh herbs, and a zesty black lime dressing.
  • Black Lime Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted seasonal veggies tossed with black lime powder and spices for a flavorful side dish.

Conclusion

Incorporating black lime into your vegan cooking opens up a world of exciting flavors and aromas that elevate everyday meals into something special. This ingredient’s bold and smoky citrus notes complement legumes, grains, and vegetables beautifully, creating dishes that are both nutritious and satisfying.

Whether you’re making the black lime rice recipe shared here or experimenting with soups and salads, black lime is a simple way to bring depth and authenticity to vegan cuisine. Don’t hesitate to explore and combine it with your favorite ingredients.

For more inspiring ideas, check out our Classico Sun Dried Tomato Alfredo Sauce Recipe, Chocolate Heaven Cake Recipe, or Costco Vegan Mushroom Stew Recipe to complement your plant-based meals perfectly.

đź“– Recipe Card: Vegan Black Lime Chickpea Stew

Description: A flavorful vegan stew featuring tangy black lime and hearty chickpeas. Perfect for a comforting meal packed with spices and nutrients.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 black limes, pierced
  • 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 carrot, diced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Add onion and garlic; sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in cumin and smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add black limes, chickpeas, vegetable broth, diced tomatoes, carrot, and bell pepper.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
  6. Remove black limes before serving.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 6 g | Carbs: 40 g

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Marta K

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