Caribbean Vegetarian Recipes UK: Delicious & Easy Meals

Caribbean cuisine is renowned for its vibrant, bold flavors and colorful dishes that often combine fresh fruits, vegetables, and spices. For those living in the UK who follow a vegetarian lifestyle, enjoying authentic Caribbean food can sometimes feel challenging due to ingredient availability or traditional reliance on seafood and meat.

However, Caribbean vegetarian recipes bring the best of island flavors right to your table by focusing on hearty, plant-based ingredients like beans, rice, plantains, and aromatic spices. These recipes not only celebrate rich cultural heritage but also offer delicious, healthy options that fit perfectly into vegetarian diets.

Whether you’re craving a spicy stew or a sweet, comforting dessert, Caribbean vegetarian dishes are an exciting way to explore new tastes and nourish your body.

In this post, we’ll dive into some of the best Caribbean vegetarian recipes you can recreate in your UK kitchen. From vibrant stews to tasty sides and refreshing drinks, these recipes highlight the essence of Caribbean cooking with a vegetarian twist.

Get ready to ignite your senses and bring the warmth of the islands to your dinner table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Caribbean vegetarian recipes are a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients combined with bold spices and tropical flavors. These dishes are naturally vibrant and packed with nutrients, perfect for anyone looking to eat healthily without sacrificing taste.

You’ll love how these recipes are easy to prepare with ingredients commonly found in UK supermarkets or local markets.

They’re also incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions based on your pantry or dietary preferences. Whether you want a quick weeknight meal or a festive dish to impress guests, Caribbean vegetarian recipes provide a delightful balance of comfort and excitement on your plate.

Ingredients

• Red kidney beans – 400g canned or cooked
• Brown rice – 200g
• Green plantains – 2 medium-sized
• Fresh thyme – 2 sprigs
• Scotch bonnet pepper – 1 small (optional for heat)
• Garlic cloves – 3, minced
• Onion – 1 large, chopped
• Bell peppers – 2 (red and green), diced
• Carrots – 2 medium, sliced
• Coconut milk – 400ml
• Tomato paste – 2 tbsp
• Allspice (pimento) – 1 tsp ground
• Ground cumin – 1 tsp
• Vegetable oil – 2 tbsp
• Salt and black pepper – to taste
• Lime juice – from 1 lime
• Fresh coriander (cilantro) – handful, chopped

Equipment

• Large saucepan or pot
• Frying pan
• Cutting board and sharp knife
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Colander (for rinsing beans and rice)
• Peeler (for plantains)
• Mixing bowls

Instructions

1. Prepare the rice: Rinse the brown rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Place it in a large pot with 400ml of water and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and cover. Let it simmer for about 40 minutes, or until the rice is tender and water is absorbed.
2. Cook the beans: If using canned kidney beans, drain and rinse them well. In a saucepan, heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add half the chopped onion, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 diced bell pepper. Sauté until softened.
3. Add spices and beans: Stir in the tomato paste, allspice, ground cumin, and thyme sprigs. Cook for 2 minutes to release the aromas. Add the kidney beans and 200ml of coconut milk. Season with salt and black pepper. Simmer gently for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Prepare the plantains: Peel the green plantains carefully and slice them diagonally into 1cm thick pieces. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the plantain slices and fry until golden and crisp on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Cook the vegetable stew: In the same frying pan, add remaining onion, garlic, bell pepper, and carrots. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until tender. Pour in remaining coconut milk and a splash of water if needed. Season with salt and pepper, then simmer for 10 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine and serve: Remove thyme sprigs from beans. Mix the cooked beans and vegetable stew together gently. Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice and chopped coriander. Serve the hearty stew alongside fluffy brown rice and crispy fried plantains for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For a milder dish, omit the Scotch bonnet pepper or substitute with a milder chili. You can also swap brown rice for white rice or quinoa based on preference.

Add other vegetables like sweet potatoes or okra for extra texture and nutrition. For a smoky flavor, try adding a dash of smoked paprika.

To make this dish vegan-friendly, ensure your coconut milk is unsweetened and free from additives.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This Caribbean vegetarian meal pairs beautifully with a fresh mango salsa or a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy lime vinaigrette. For an authentic touch, serve with a side of Calypso Rice Recipe or enjoy alongside some homemade Honey Raisin Challah to soak up the flavorful sauce.

For drinks, a chilled tropical fruit punch or a refreshing Huckleberry Margarita Recipe complements the spices wonderfully, balancing heat with sweetness.

More Caribbean Vegetarian Recipes to Try

Expand your Caribbean vegetarian repertoire with these delicious recipes:

Caribbean Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stew

• A rich, hearty stew featuring sweet potatoes, black beans, and traditional Caribbean spices simmered to perfection.
• Perfect for cooler UK evenings and packed with fiber and vitamins.

Callaloo and Coconut Curry

• A vibrant green leafy vegetable curry made with fresh callaloo, coconut milk, and a blend of island spices.
• Serve with steamed rice or roti for a complete meal.

Jerk Tofu with Mango Salsa

• Tofu marinated in spicy jerk seasoning, grilled or baked, and topped with a sweet and tangy mango salsa.
• A fantastic plant-based twist on the classic jerk chicken.

Fried Plantain and Bean Patties

• Golden fried patties made from mashed beans and ripe plantains, seasoned with Caribbean spices.
• Great as a snack or appetizer, or paired with salad for a light meal.

Caribbean Pumpkin Soup

• A creamy, spiced pumpkin soup infused with nutmeg, ginger, and coconut milk — both comforting and nutritious.
• Ideal for lunch or as a starter for dinner parties.

For more creative vegetarian ideas, check out our Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food and Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes to add even more variety to your kitchen.

Conclusion

Caribbean vegetarian recipes are an exciting way to bring vibrant island flavors into your UK kitchen without relying on meat or seafood. These dishes embrace fresh, wholesome ingredients and bold spices that create unforgettable meals full of color and nutrition.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of Caribbean cooking or just discovering it, these vegetarian recipes offer something for everyone — from quick weeknight dinners to impressive dishes perfect for entertaining.

By incorporating staples like beans, plantains, and coconut milk, and layering in aromatic herbs and spices, you can enjoy authentic tastes that nourish both body and soul. So grab your apron and get ready to explore the delicious world of Caribbean vegetarian cooking today!

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