Black Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Updated On: October 2, 2025

Exploring the vibrant world of black vegan recipes opens up a treasure trove of delicious, nutrient-packed meals that celebrate rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. These recipes are inspired by African, Caribbean, and Southern culinary traditions, reimagined with plant-based ingredients that satisfy both vegans and food lovers alike.

Whether you’re craving soulful stews, hearty grain bowls, or comforting sides, black vegan cuisine offers a delightful fusion of spices, textures, and colors that bring meals to life. Embracing these recipes means enjoying dishes that are not only kind to animals and the environment but also nourishing and deeply satisfying.

Join us as we dive into some of the best black vegan recipes that are easy to prepare, full of flavor, and perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Black vegan recipes stand out for their bold use of spices, fresh vegetables, and wholesome grains, creating meals that are bursting with flavor and nutrition. They are perfect for anyone looking to diversify their plant-based diet with dishes that are both comforting and exciting.

These recipes are also incredibly versatile, whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or hosting friends. The heartiness of legumes, the earthiness of greens like collards or kale, and the aromatic spices like smoked paprika and cayenne pepper make every bite memorable.

Plus, many of these dishes are naturally gluten-free, oil-free, and packed with fiber, making them excellent choices for a healthy lifestyle. Ready to bring some soulful plant-based magic to your kitchen?

Let’s get started!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup black-eyed peas (soaked overnight)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
  • 2 cups chopped collard greens
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegetable broth for sautĂ©ing
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
  • Cooked brown rice or quinoa (for serving)

Equipment

  • Large pot or Dutch oven
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Colander or strainer
  • Bowls for serving

Instructions

  1. Prepare the black-eyed peas: Drain the soaked black-eyed peas and rinse well under cold water.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil or vegetable broth over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped bell pepper, cooking another 2-3 minutes.
  3. Add spices and tomatoes: Stir in the smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine.
  4. Cook the peas: Add the drained black-eyed peas and vegetable broth to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the peas are tender.
  5. Add greens and season: Stir in the chopped collard greens, cover, and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes until the greens are wilted and tender. Season with salt, black pepper, and apple cider vinegar to brighten the flavors.
  6. Serve: Spoon the black-eyed pea stew over cooked brown rice or quinoa for a hearty, satisfying meal.

Tips & Variations

Experiment with different greens like kale or mustard greens if collards aren’t available. For a smokier flavor, add a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika. You can also add diced sweet potatoes or carrots for extra sweetness and nutrition.

For a spicier kick, increase the cayenne pepper or add fresh chopped jalapeños. If you prefer a thicker stew, mash some of the cooked black-eyed peas with a fork or potato masher before adding the greens.

This dish also freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep. Just cool completely before transferring to airtight containers.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280 kcal
Protein 14 g
Carbohydrates 45 g
Fiber 12 g
Fat 4 g
Vitamin A 60% DV
Vitamin C 35% DV
Iron 25% DV

Serving Suggestions

This soulful black-eyed pea and collard greens stew pairs beautifully with warm cornbread, a classic Southern staple. Add a side of pickled okra or spicy vegan kimchi for a tangy contrast.

For a lighter meal, serve it over a bed of fresh greens or alongside roasted vegetables.

If you want to explore more plant-based creations, check out our Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love for more inspiration.

More Black Vegan Recipes to Try

Vegan Jollof Rice

A beloved West African dish, vegan jollof rice is a one-pot wonder packed with tomatoes, bell peppers, and spices. It’s smoky, spicy, and perfect for celebrations or everyday meals.

Try it with a side of fried plantains for the ultimate experience.

Ingredients include long-grain rice, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, Scotch bonnet peppers, and flavorful spices like thyme and bay leaves.

Southern Style Vegan BBQ Jackfruit

Jackfruit mimics the texture of pulled pork, making it a fantastic centerpiece for a vegan BBQ meal. Smother it in a tangy, smoky sauce and serve on a soft bun with vegan coleslaw.

This recipe uses young green jackfruit, smoked paprika, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and lots of spices to create that rich BBQ flavor.

Vegan Red Beans and Rice

A classic Creole dish, red beans and rice is hearty, comforting, and easy to make vegan-friendly. Kidney beans simmered with celery, onions, bell peppers, and Cajun spices create a deeply satisfying meal perfect for any day of the week.

For a Southern twist, check out our Vegetarian Southern Recipes That Everyone Will Love.

Ingredients for Vegan Jollof Rice

  • 2 cups long grain parboiled rice
  • 1/4 cup tomato paste
  • 1 can diced tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Scotch bonnet pepper, whole or chopped (optional for heat)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 teaspoon thyme
  • 2 cups vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions for Vegan Jollof Rice

  1. Heat oil in a large pot and sauté onions, garlic, and bell pepper until softened.
  2. Add tomato paste and diced tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir in the thyme, salt, and pepper, then add the rice and vegetable broth. Add the Scotch bonnet pepper whole for heat without overwhelming spice.
  4. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook for 25-30 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
  5. Remove the Scotch bonnet before serving and fluff the rice with a fork.

More Info & Related Recipes

For more easy vegan recipes perfect for your kitchen, you might want to explore:

Conclusion

Black vegan recipes offer an incredible way to enjoy flavorful, wholesome meals that are deeply rooted in cultural heritage and culinary creativity. From the nourishing black-eyed pea stew to the vibrant jollof rice and the satisfying BBQ jackfruit, these dishes prove that plant-based eating can be rich, diverse, and utterly delicious.

By incorporating these recipes into your routine, you’re embracing a lifestyle that supports health, sustainability, and compassion.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring new plant-based dishes, these recipes provide a wonderful gateway into black vegan cuisine that you’ll want to prepare again and again. Don’t forget to check out our other tasty recipes for more inspiration and happy cooking!

đź“– Recipe Card: Spicy Black Bean Stew

Description: A hearty and flavorful vegan stew packed with black beans and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal any day of the week.

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

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked black beans
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat.
  2. Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  3. Add bell pepper and cook for 3 minutes.
  4. Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder.
  5. Add black beans, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
  6. Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  7. Season with salt and pepper.
  8. Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 15 g | Fat: 5 g | Carbs: 45 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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