7 Vegetarian Versions of Traditional Colombian Food

Most of the traditional Colombian dishes are heavy on animal protein. And although things are changing, Colombia is not yet the most vegetarian-friendly country in the world… But, find the solution here and make a homecooked vegetarian version of Colombia’s most famous dishes! I compiled 7 Vegetarian Versions of Traditional Colombian Food. These recipes are all inspired by traditional Colombian recipes. All of them are vegetarian and vegan-adaptable.

On this food blog, you can find many Colombian recipes, all vegetarian and many also vegan-adaptable. Click on the Recipe Index to see for yourself!

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Vegetarian Ajiaco (Potato-Corn Soup)

Ajiaco is a Colombian stew-like soup that is traditionally made with 3 types of potato, a local herb called guascas and corn on the cob. You serve it with white rice, avocado, capers, and cream (omit for a vegan version). This version is a tribute to the ajiaco from the capital Bogotá, and it is an absolutely heartwarming dish.

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Frijoles (Colombian Beans)

Maybe one of the most famous dishes from Colombia: a soupy and creamy stew consisting of red beans. The trick to get the beans so creamy is by adding grated green plantain or carrot to the dish. It gets its delicous hearty flavor from a tomato and onion sauce called hogao. Serve over white rice, with vegetables and/or a salad, and a fried egg (omit for a vegan version).

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Colombian Rice with Vegetables (Arroz sin Pollo)

This recipe for Colombian Rice with Vegetables is not just any other vegetable-and-rice-stir fry. It is a recipe based on the worldfamous dish Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken). But then, of course, without the chicken (arroz sin pollo, so to speak). It is packed with vegetables and legumes to make a comforting and healthy lunch or dinner.

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Vegan Colombian Sancocho

Vegan Colombian Sancocho is a comforting and filling stew-like soup. It is made with a flavorful vegetable broth and different (root) vegetables like potato, green plantain, yuca (cassava), pumpkin and corn. You serve it with white rice and avocado.

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Vegan Bandeja Paisa

This Bandeja Paisa, a plate orginally from the "paisa" region of Colombia, is a vegan version of the traditional Colombian recipe. It contains rice, beans, bbq tofu, vegan sausage, fried ripe plantain, avocado and an arepa. Protein and carb-rich, I can guarantee you it will keep you full for the rest of the day.

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Sudado de Berenjena (Eggplant Stew)

Sudado de Berenjena is a vegan veggie-packed eggplant stew inspired by the Colombian sudado de pollo (chicken stew). It contains eggplant, garlic, onion, spices, carrot, red pepper, potato and tomato. It is an easy stew, that requires little ingredients. You’ll have it ready to eat within the hour. This stew is vegan and gluten-free.

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Jackfruit Lechona with Crispy Peas

Jackfruit Lechona with Crispy Peas is a vegan version inspired by the original Colombian dish. It consists of jackfruit pulled pork, a traditional spiced rice and yellow pea mixture, and crispy oven-baked salty peas to provide the necessary crunchy texture.

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I hope you enjoyed these 7 Vegetarian Versions of Traditional Colombian Food. If you make a recipe, you can comment or rate the recipe below at the page. Or tag @vecinavegetariana on Instagram!

Do you love Colombian food? Click here to find more recipes of Colombian vegetarian food!