Vegan Tex Mex Recipes You'll Love
Did you know that veganism and Tex-Mex go hand in hand? Okay, maybe not so much with the hand thing, but they do have a lot in common. Both are big on flavor and spice, along with being really easy to make at home. Neither of them take a ton of time or effort to prepare – which means you can have this deliciousness on your table in no time. We love Tex-Mex food because it’s loaded with amazing spices and fresh produce. It’s also one of the easiest types of cuisine to veganize. There are plenty of great plant-based substitutes for things like cheese, chicken, and even lard! The hardest part is finding recipes that don’t involve any meat or animal products. Fortunately for you, we’ve got some great examples right here. Try your hand at these Vegan Tex Mex Recipes tonight
Vegan Cheese
Let’s start with the basics: cheese. Even though it’s not a vegetable or a protein, it’s a key part of Tex-Mex cooking. Luckily, there are lots of great vegan cheese options out there – most of which you can buy at the store. There are also some great recipes you can use to make your own vegan cheese at home. If you’re looking for store bought cheese, there are a few brands you should check out. Daiya makes vegan cheese that comes in lots of different flavors, like cheddar, pepper jack, and havarti. They also make vegan nacho cheese that’s great for dipping appetizers or vegan chili. Treeline also makes vegan cheese slices that melt perfectly, and Follow Your Heart offers vegan cheese as well. If you want to make your own, you can use nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, or macadamia nuts to make a creamy and flavorful cheese that melts like real cheese. You can also use coconut oil to help the cheese melt and create a creamy texture.
Lentils and beans
One of the staples of any Tex-Mex dish is beans, specifically beans that have been cooked with a ton of spices. Beans are super easy to prepare (even without meat), and they’re packed with protein, fiber, and tons of other nutrients. You can use black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, or any other beans you like in your vegan Tex-Mex dishes. You can also use lentils, which are super healthy and easy to cook. You can make a big pot of lentils and beans on the weekend and use it to make tons of different Tex-Mex dishes during the week. Just add spices, salsa, and other ingredients to make your own unique vegan Tex-Mex recipes.
Veggie fajitas
Tex-Mex fajitas are classic and delicious, but they’re also usually made with meat. Thankfully, it’s easy to veganize this dish, and it’s a great way to get lots of veggies in your diet. To make vegan fajitas, start off by slicing and marinating your veggies. You can use peppers, onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, and pretty much any other vegetable you like. You can also add spices like cumin, chili powder, or Mexican oregano to make them even more flavorful. Once your veggies are marinated, you can cook them in a stovetop grill, in an outdoor grill, or on a grill pan inside. When they’re done, put your veggies into soft tortillas with some salsa, guacamole, and vegan queso.
Chilled Vegan Tex Mex Soup
Tex-Mex is all about big, bold flavors – and nothing embodies that more than a bowl of chilled soup. This chilled soup is packed with fresh ingredients and has a ton of spices, so it’s perfect for a light Tex-Mex meal. Its best served chilled, but if you want you can heat it up if you prefer. You can use fresh tomatoes, peppers, and cilantro to make your soup flavorful. You can also add spices like chili powder, cumin, and a bit of smoked paprika for a bolder flavor. When your soup is done, you can add it to a bowl, top it with some vegan queso, and serve it chilled for a light Tex-Mex meal.
Bonus: Two Ways To Make Your Meals Even Healthier!
- Use whole wheat tortillas instead of corn tortillas. Not only will this make your dish more nutritious, but it will also give it a heartier, heavier feel that’s great for fall and winter.
- Top your meals with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt instead of sour cream. Yogurt is packed with protein, and it has way less fat and sugar than sour cream. You can even make your own yogurt at home to save even more money and make it even healthier.
These are just a few ways that you can bump up the healthy factor of your Tex-Mex dish. When you add these ingredients, your meal will be even better for you than it already is.
Conclusion
Tex-Mex is a fun, flavorful way to spice up your meals. This cuisine is perfect for any time of year, but it’s especially great during the summer months, when you want something warm and hearty. The best part about Tex-Mex is that it’s easy to veganize with a few simple substitutions. Whether you want a light, healthy meal or something more indulgent, there’s a Tex-Mex dish for you. Visit your local grocery store and stock up on supplies to make these vegan Tex Mex dishes in no time. They’re perfect for casual meals with friends and family, or even just for yourself when you want something delicious and homemade.