Poblano Recipes Vegan: Delicious Plant-Based Ideas to Try

Updated On: October 2, 2025

When it comes to creating vibrant, flavorful, and wholesome vegan meals, poblano peppers are a fantastic ingredient to have in your kitchen arsenal. These mild chili peppers have a rich, smoky flavor that adds depth to any dish without overwhelming the palate.

Whether roasted, stuffed, or blended into sauces, poblanos bring a unique texture and taste that complement a variety of plant-based ingredients. For those seeking new ways to enjoy vegan cooking, exploring poblano recipes is an exciting adventure that will delight your taste buds while keeping meals nutritious and satisfying.

In this blog post, we’ll dive into some delicious and easy-to-make vegan poblano recipes that are perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or impressing guests. From stuffed poblanos bursting with savory fillings to creamy sauces and hearty stews, these recipes showcase the versatility of this wonderful pepper.

Plus, we’ll share tips, variations, and nutritional insights to help you make the most of these dishes. Ready to get cooking?

Let’s explore the world of vegan poblano recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Poblano peppers are a standout ingredient for vegan dishes because they offer a mild heat and a deep, smoky flavor that enhances any recipe without overpowering it. Their thick walls make them ideal for stuffing, roasting, or grilling, providing a meaty texture that pairs well with beans, grains, and vegetables.

These recipes are perfect for anyone looking to add more plant-based meals to their menu without sacrificing flavor. They are nutritious, high in fiber, and packed with antioxidants from the peppers and wholesome fillings or sauces used.

Plus, the recipes are flexible, allowing you to customize them with your favorite veggies, spices, or grains.

Whether you want a quick meal or a recipe that impresses at your next dinner party, poblano-based vegan dishes deliver on taste, texture, and nutrition. And if you’re interested in expanding your plant-based cooking repertoire, be sure to explore other fantastic vegan recipes like Vegetarian Tex Mex Recipes for Easy Weeknight Dinners and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Ingredients

  • 4 large poblano peppers, whole and cleaned
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa or brown rice
  • 1 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup vegan cheese (optional for topping)
  • 1 lime, cut into wedges

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large skillet or frying pan
  • Mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Aluminum foil
  • Spoon for stuffing
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the whole poblano peppers on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
  2. Roast the poblanos in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the skin is blistered and charred in spots.
  3. Remove the peppers from the oven and immediately place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap or a sealed container to steam for 10 minutes. This will make peeling the skins easier.
  4. While the poblanos steam, prepare the filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  6. Mix in the cooked quinoa, black beans, corn, diced tomato, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well and cook for 3-4 minutes to combine flavors. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
  7. Carefully peel the skin off the roasted poblanos without tearing the peppers. Cut a slit down one side of each pepper to create a pocket for stuffing, removing seeds gently.
  8. Stuff each poblano with the quinoa and bean mixture, pressing gently to fill.
  9. Place the stuffed peppers back on the baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and top with vegan cheese if using.
  10. Bake in the oven for an additional 10-12 minutes until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
  11. Serve hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra smoky flavor, try charring the poblano peppers directly over a gas flame or on a grill before roasting.”

If you want a creamier filling, add mashed avocado or a drizzle of cashew cream before serving. You can swap quinoa for other grains like millet, farro, or couscous, depending on your preference.

For added protein, toss in some crumbled tofu or tempeh seasoned with soy sauce and garlic. To keep the dish soy-free, stick with beans and grains.

If you love spice, mix in diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper into the filling. Alternatively, serve with a side of slow cooker vegan chili for a warming, hearty meal.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 280
Protein 10g
Carbohydrates 45g
Fiber 9g
Fat 6g
Vitamin C 80% DV
Iron 15% DV

Serving Suggestions

These stuffed poblano peppers pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad or a side of Mexican-style rice. For a lighter meal, serve alongside steamed vegetables or a tangy slaw.

Consider topping with fresh avocado slices, a dollop of vegan sour cream, or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor boost. For a heartier option, serve with warm tortillas and a side of beans for a full Tex-Mex feast.

Don’t miss out on exploring more vegan meal ideas like our delightful Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes or the comforting Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals to round out your plant-based cooking skills.

More Favorite Vegan Poblano Recipes

Ready to expand your vegan poblano repertoire? Here are three more delicious recipes featuring this versatile pepper:

Vegan Poblano Soup

Poblano and Black Bean Tacos

Vegan Poblano Cream Sauce

  • A rich and silky sauce made from blended roasted poblanos, cashews, and nutritional yeast.
  • Use it over pasta, roasted veggies, or grain bowls for a creamy, dairy-free treat.
  • Check out our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes for more creamy vegan sauces.

Conclusion

Poblano peppers are a fantastic ingredient to elevate your vegan meals with their mild heat and smoky complexity. These recipes demonstrate just how versatile poblanos can be—from hearty stuffed peppers to comforting soups and creamy sauces.

They bring great flavor, texture, and nutrition to any plant-based kitchen.

With just a few simple ingredients and some easy cooking techniques, you can create satisfying vegan dishes that everyone will love. Don’t forget to experiment with fillings and spices to make each recipe your own.

If you enjoyed these ideas, explore more creative and delicious vegan recipes on our site to keep your kitchen exciting and your meals full of vibrant flavors.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Stuffed Poblano Peppers

Description: A flavorful vegan dish featuring roasted poblano peppers stuffed with a spicy quinoa and black bean filling. Perfect as a hearty main or side dish.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT50M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 4 large poblano peppers
  • 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
  • 1 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Roast poblano peppers on a baking sheet for 10 minutes, turning occasionally until skins blister.
  3. Place peppers in a bowl and cover to steam for 10 minutes, then peel skins and carefully slit to remove seeds.
  4. Cook quinoa in vegetable broth according to package instructions.
  5. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  6. Add black beans, corn, cooked quinoa, cumin, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
  7. Remove from heat and mix in chopped cilantro.
  8. Stuff each poblano pepper with the quinoa mixture and place in a baking dish.
  9. Bake stuffed peppers for 10 minutes to heat through.
  10. Serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 10 g | Fat: 4 g | Carbs: 50 g

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Marta K

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