Bryant Terry Recipes Vegan Soul: Delicious Plant-Based Meals

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Vegan soul food is a vibrant celebration of flavor, culture, and tradition, and few chefs embody this spirit as beautifully as Bryant Terry. Known for his passionate advocacy of plant-based eating and his innovative approach to classic soul food dishes, Bryant Terry offers recipes that nourish both body and soul.

His culinary creations blend African diasporic flavors with modern vegan techniques, resulting in meals that are hearty, comforting, and deeply satisfying without the use of animal products.

In this post, we’ll explore some of Bryant Terry’s most beloved vegan soul recipes, perfect for anyone looking to enjoy soulful flavors while embracing compassionate eating. Whether you’re new to vegan cooking or a seasoned pro, these recipes bring the richness of soul food into your kitchen with fresh ingredients and simple steps.

Get ready to dive into a world of bold spices, creamy textures, and wholesome goodness that will leave you feeling nourished and inspired.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bryant Terry’s vegan soul recipes are more than just meals; they are a heartfelt homage to heritage and health. These dishes celebrate the deep, rich flavors of traditional soul food while making them accessible and friendly to plant-based diets.

You’ll love how these recipes:

  • Use whole, unprocessed ingredients to maximize nutrition and flavor.
  • Incorporate bold spices and herbs that awaken your palate and honor soul food traditions.
  • Are versatile and easy to customize for different tastes and dietary needs.
  • Include comforting textures such as creamy mashed yams, crispy “fried” tofu, and hearty greens.
  • Promote sustainable eating with plant-based proteins and seasonal vegetables.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups collard greens, washed and chopped
  • 1 medium sweet potato, peeled and cubed
  • 1 block extra-firm tofu, pressed and cubed
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (such as almond or soy)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Medium saucepan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Potato masher or fork
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Colander or strainer
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the sweet potatoes: Place cubed sweet potatoes in a medium saucepan, cover with water, and bring to a boil. Cook for about 15 minutes or until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the collard greens: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, and thyme, stirring until fragrant.
  3. Add the collard greens: Stir in the chopped collards, vegetable broth, and apple cider vinegar. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the greens are tender and flavorful. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Prepare the tofu: While the greens cook, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a separate pan over medium-high heat. Add the cubed tofu and cook until all sides are golden and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Season with a pinch of cayenne pepper and salt for a spicy kick.
  5. Make the mashed sweet potatoes: In a mixing bowl, mash the cooked sweet potatoes with plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, and maple syrup. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed for a creamy, slightly sweet finish.
  6. Assemble and serve: Plate the mashed sweet potatoes alongside the sautéed collard greens and crispy tofu. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for added color and flavor.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra layer of flavor, try adding smoked tempeh instead of tofu or a splash of liquid smoke to the greens.”

  • Swap collard greens for kale or mustard greens if preferred or depending on seasonal availability.
  • Add black-eyed peas or kidney beans to the greens for more protein and texture.
  • Use coconut milk in the mashed sweet potatoes for a richer, tropical twist.
  • Turn this into a full meal bowl by adding cooked quinoa or brown rice underneath.
  • For a crispy topping, sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts over the mashed sweet potatoes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 320 kcal
Protein 18 g
Fat 12 g
Carbohydrates 35 g
Fiber 8 g
Sugar 7 g
Iron 3 mg (17% DV)
Calcium 120 mg (12% DV)

Serving Suggestions

This vegan soul food plate pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides like cornbread or a tangy slaw. For a light appetizer, try a bowl of spicy vegan gumbo or a fresh green salad with a citrus vinaigrette.

To complete a soulful meal, consider pairing this dish with a refreshing beverage like iced hibiscus tea or a ginger lemonade. For dessert, something like a vegan sweet potato pie or a batch of Lemon Straws Recipe offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart.

For more creative vegan dishes inspired by Bryant Terry’s style, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or the hearty and comforting Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.

Conclusion

Embracing Bryant Terry’s vegan soul recipes means more than just changing what’s on your plate; it’s about connecting with a rich cultural heritage that honors community, sustainability, and health. These dishes prove that soul food can be both nourishing and compassionate, packed with bold flavors and textures that satisfy deeply.

Whether you are a lifelong vegan or simply curious about plant-based cooking, these recipes offer a delicious gateway to soulful meals that uplift the spirit and delight the senses. Experiment with the ingredients, savor the spices, and enjoy the process of bringing tradition into your modern kitchen.

Don’t forget to explore other recipes on our site to keep your cooking adventurous and inspired!

📖 Recipe Card: Bryant Terry Vegan Soul Sweet Potato Pie

Description: A soulful vegan sweet potato pie inspired by Bryant Terry's recipes, rich in flavor and plant-based goodness. Perfect for holiday gatherings or any comforting dessert craving.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT60M
Total Time: PT80M

Servings: 8 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (about 2 large sweet potatoes)
  • 1 cup coconut milk
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 pre-made vegan pie crust

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake sweet potatoes until soft, then mash.
  3. In a bowl, mix mashed sweet potatoes, coconut milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, and melted coconut oil.
  4. Add cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and salt; stir until smooth.
  5. Pour filling into vegan pie crust.
  6. Bake pie for 55-60 minutes until set.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 15g | Carbs: 35g

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Marta K

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