Vegan recipes and Vegan dishes might seem like Greek to you, but they’re actually more accessible than you would ever imagine.

Cooking is one of life’s most rewarding creative outlets – what other kind of art can you eat when you’re done? Unfortunately, due to life being as fast-paced as it is, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of using the same old, tired recipes. Planning and shopping and prepping and cooking and eating and starting it all over again next week can feel like a Sisyphean task! 

That’s why we’re suggesting 11 vegan dishes from South African creators to help inspire your next meal plan. Whether you’re looking for a more earth-conscious version of traditional favourites or completely original recipes to inspire your inner foodie – these delectable options will make you excited to get behind the stove again. The best part is; these recipes are so fun and tasty that your meat-loving carnivores won’t even miss the protein! 

Start With Some Snacks 

Feature these as part of a party snacking spread or a little something to tide you over between meals. They’re tasty enough that you might want to double or triple the recipe for a weekend dinner!  

Vegan Jalapeno Poppers 

Don’t mind a snack that bites back? Watch to see the three suggested coatings in action. You can also choose to use fresh or pickled jalapenos for a texture variation. (That’s poppers six ways if you’re feeling experimental!)

Argentinian Lentil Empanadas

There’s something sacred about munching on little savoury pastries when the party platters are pulled out (though we won’t ever miss those little cocktail sticks with the red or green onions, a cheddar square, and a centimetre of Vienna). Rather than going for the meat-ish options in the grocery store, try your hand at these empanadas to really amp up your platter game.

Be a Braai Master

Okay – this is dangerous territory. But for the more adventurous of you who don’t mind being accused of ruining the braai, here’s the ultimate vegan braai solution that won’t make the meat-eaters grumpy.

 South African Braai

Martin Kotze took some time to create the perfect braai menu with kebabs, garlic bread and even braai broodjies! Watch him create this work of art on Your Mom’s Favourite Channel.

Malva Pudding on the Braai

Finish off the braai experience with a lekker malva pudding to stick to the tradition-but-better theme. Consider using individual potjies to create a hands-on dessert experience!

Best Brekkie

Chia-seed bowls and overnight oat mason jar recipes are so 2021 in the world of vegan eats. These breakfast options are yummy enough to make you think twice before opening the egg carton.

Vegan Buttermilk Oat Rusks

Prefer a grab-and-go breakfast option with your morning coffee? These rusks hit the spot just right! They are also great for the lunchbox.

Black Crêpes

Another banger by Martin Kotze! It’s worth checking out his YouTube channel where he posts beautifully shot and informative tutorials on all his original vegan recipes. This crêpe recipe has that something extra to knock your socks off. Brooding, bougie black never looked this good!

Let’s do a Light Lunch

Add a bit of colour and crunch to your lunch with these flavourful dishes that will leave you satisfied but not weighed down.

Vietnamese Rainbow Rolls With Marinated Tofu And Butternut Satay Sauce

These aesthetically pleasing rolls are as pretty as they are tasty. You’ll have to make double since everyone will keep coming back for more!

Main Course Magic 

Whether you’re in the mood for veganised traditional fare, or a visit to spice town, these main courses will hit the spot and then some! 

Vegan Bobotie

There are no downsides to this bobotie. There will always be a part of your South African soul that calls for a plate of comfort that only bobotie can supply. By making it Vegan that same soul can rest easy knowing how animal-friendly your comfort food can be.

Thai Green Curry

Take your tastebuds on a trip to Thailand by dishing up this aromatic green curry. Adjust the heat by adding more or fewer chillies, and take it that gourmet step further by making the paste yourself. Leozette Roode really outdid herself with this belly-warmer and you can find some more inspiration in her excellent book: The South African Vegan Cookbook.

Sweet Treats to Seal the Deal

Vegan Pannekoek

Go traditional with this easy-peasy and oh-so-satisfying pannekoek recipe. Ruanne Sandrock shares her original recipes and innate talent for transforming traditional recipes into vegan masterpieces on her blog Real Plant Food.

Make your pannekoek even more indulgent by adding Leonette Roode’s sinful CARAMEL SAUCE and some freshly sliced bananas.

The Best Vegan Clafoutis

Clafoutis is a French baked custard dessert usually made with cherries. Ruanne has transformed this classic favourite into the kind of dessert of which you will have to make extra, for when they inevitably ask for second and third helpings.

What’s Cookin’? 

Are you excited to try these fantastic dishes? Share your successes with us on Instagram or Facebook with the hashtags #vegan #vegansa and remember to tag us at #homemakerssa so that we can share in the fun!

Visit us at HOMEMAKERS for even more delicious recipe ideas.