Exploring the vibrant world of spices is one of the most exciting ways to elevate your vegan cooking. The magic of a fragrant 7 spice blend lies not only in its complex layers of flavor but also in its ability to transform simple plant-based ingredients into something truly extraordinary.
Whether you are a seasoned vegan or just looking to add more plant-based meals to your repertoire, these 7 spice vegan recipes will delight your taste buds and inspire your kitchen creativity.
In this blog post, we’ll dive into three delicious 7 spice vegan recipes that showcase how versatile and bold this blend can be. From hearty stews to vibrant stir-fries and crispy tofu dishes, the aromatic warmth of the seven spices creates a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and earthiness.
Plus, these recipes are easy to prepare, packed with nutrients, and sure to please even the most skeptical eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
7 spice blends are a fantastic way to add depth and complexity to vegan meals without relying on heavy sauces or excessive salt. They offer a warming sensation with hints of sweetness and subtle heat, making them perfect for cozy dinners or lively weeknight meals.
These recipes are:
- Easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry.
- Nutritious and wholesome, highlighting fresh vegetables, legumes, and plant-based proteins.
- Perfect for meal prep, as they reheat beautifully and develop even richer flavors over time.
- Great for impressing guests with bold, exotic flavors that feel gourmet but are simple to make.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cumin seeds | 1 tsp | Whole or ground |
| Coriander seeds | 1 tsp | Lightly toasted |
| Fennel seeds | 1/2 tsp | Optional for sweetness |
| Black peppercorns | 1/2 tsp | Freshly ground |
| Star anise | 1 small piece | Ground finely |
| Cloves | 2 whole | Ground finely |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 small stick | Ground to powder |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 2 tbsp | For cooking |
| Onion | 1 medium | Finely chopped |
| Garlic cloves | 3 | Minced |
| Fresh ginger | 1-inch piece | Grated |
| Chickpeas | 2 cups | Cooked or canned, rinsed |
| Tomatoes | 2 large | Chopped |
| Spinach | 3 cups | Fresh or frozen |
| Salt | To taste | |
| Water or vegetable broth | 1 cup | For simmering |
| Tofu (firm) | 14 oz (400g) | Pressed and cubed |
Equipment
- Spice grinder or mortar and pestle
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Medium saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring spoons and cups
Instructions
- Prepare the 7 spice blend: Toast the cumin seeds, coriander seeds, fennel seeds, black peppercorns, cloves, star anise piece, and cinnamon stick together in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Let cool and grind to a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the spice blend: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of your freshly ground 7 spice blend into the skillet. Stir well to coat the onions, garlic, and ginger. Cook for 1 minute to release the spices’ flavors.
- Build the sauce: Add the chopped tomatoes and cook until they break down and become saucy, about 5-7 minutes. Pour in the vegetable broth or water and stir to combine. Simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Add chickpeas and spinach: Stir in the cooked chickpeas and fresh spinach leaves. Cook until the spinach wilts and the chickpeas are heated through, about 5 minutes. Season with salt to taste.
- Prepare the tofu: While the stew simmers, pat dry the pressed tofu and cut it into cubes. In a separate skillet, heat a little olive oil and pan-fry the tofu cubes until golden and crispy on all sides, about 8-10 minutes. Optionally, sprinkle lightly with 7 spice blend for extra flavor.
- Serve: Spoon the chickpea and spinach stew into bowls and top with the crispy tofu cubes. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
“For a smokier flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or use smoked sea salt.”
You can vary the vegetables depending on the season—try adding diced sweet potatoes, bell peppers, or eggplant for added texture and nutrition. This 7 spice blend also works wonderfully in grain bowls, lentil soups, or roasted vegetable medleys.
For a more protein-rich meal, swap chickpeas with black beans or lentils. To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure the vegetable broth is certified gluten-free.
Experiment with adding coconut milk to create a creamy, curry-like version of this dish.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 18 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 9 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg (varies by broth) |
Serving Suggestions
This 7 spice vegan stew pairs beautifully with steamed basmati rice, fluffy quinoa, or warm whole wheat flatbread. For a lighter option, serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with lemon juice and olive oil.
If you enjoy this recipe, check out other flavorful dishes like the Blackstone Lo Mein Recipes for a quick Asian-inspired meal or the refreshing Blue Spirulina Smoothie Recipe to complement your healthy lifestyle.
For a savory brunch treat, try the Breakfast Wellington Recipe.
7 Spice Vegan Recipes Listicle
7 Spice Chickpea & Spinach Stew
The recipe above is a hearty, comforting stew perfect for chilly evenings. The 7 spice blend brings warmth and complexity to simple pantry staples, making it a favorite for meal prep and family dinners.
7 Spice Crispy Tofu Stir-Fry
Ingredients: Firm tofu, 7 spice blend, soy sauce or tamari, bell peppers, broccoli, garlic, ginger, sesame oil.
Instructions: Cube and toss tofu in a tablespoon of 7 spice and soy sauce, then pan-fry until crispy. Stir-fry garlic, ginger, and vegetables in sesame oil, add tofu back in, and finish with a sprinkle of the spice blend for an aromatic and colorful dish.
7 Spice Roasted Vegetable Medley
Ingredients: Carrots, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, red onion, olive oil, 7 spice blend, salt, and pepper.
Instructions: Toss chopped vegetables with olive oil and the 7 spice blend. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30-35 minutes until tender and caramelized.
A perfect side dish or vegan main when paired with grains.
7 Spice Lentil Soup
Ingredients: Red or green lentils, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, 7 spice blend, vegetable broth, canned tomatoes.
Instructions: Sauté onions, garlic, and carrots, then add lentils, broth, tomatoes, and 7 spice blend. Simmer until lentils are soft and soup is thick.
Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
7 Spice Vegan Burger Patties
Ingredients: Cooked black beans or chickpeas, oats, 7 spice blend, minced onion, garlic powder, flaxseed meal.
Instructions: Mash beans and combine with oats, spices, and flaxseed. Form into patties and pan-fry or bake until crisp.
Serve on a bun with your favorite vegan toppings.
7 Spice Cauliflower “Wings”
Ingredients: Cauliflower florets, chickpea flour, plant milk, 7 spice blend, hot sauce (optional).
Instructions: Make a batter with chickpea flour, plant milk, and spice blend. Dip cauliflower florets and bake at 425°F (220°C) until crispy.
Toss with hot sauce or vegan BBQ sauce for a spicy snack.
7 Spice Rice Pilaf
Ingredients: Basmati rice, onions, garlic, vegetable broth, 7 spice blend, toasted almonds, raisins.
Instructions: Sauté onions and garlic with the spice blend, add rice and broth, cook until fluffy. Stir in toasted almonds and raisins for a sweet-savory balance.
Conclusion
The 7 spice blend is a remarkable way to bring warmth, complexity, and excitement to your vegan dishes. These recipes show how versatile and easy it is to incorporate this aromatic mix into a variety of meals, from stews and stir-fries to snacks and sides.
Not only do these dishes satisfy your palate with bold flavor combinations, but they also provide wholesome nutrition and comforting textures that make plant-based eating a joy.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, these 7 spice vegan recipes will add a new dimension to your cooking routine. Don’t forget to experiment with the spices according to your taste and pantry availability.
To explore more inspiring recipes, be sure to check out our Best Spg Seasoning Recipe or try the flavorful Boots And Sonny’S Chili Recipe for a different twist on spicy vegan fare.
📖 Recipe Card: 7 Spice Vegan Chickpea Curry
Description: A flavorful and aromatic vegan chickpea curry featuring a blend of seven spices. Perfect for a hearty and healthy meal packed with plant-based protein.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT45M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 can (400g) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup coconut milk
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- 1 tsp turmeric
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent.
- Stir in garlic and ginger, cook for 1 minute.
- Add all seven spices and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and coconut milk.
- Simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 14 g | Carbs: 35 g
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