Meatless Recipes Every Trinidadian Love
As a Trinidadian, I love meat, but these days I am trying to limit my intake.
I didn’t believe that I could go weeks without eating meat, but that does not mean I will go a lifetime without it.
Caribbean people always make meatless recipes taste like it has meat or do not need it.
So if you’re watching your budget, cutting back on meat, or fully embracing a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, these meatless dinner ideas are here to inspire your next meal.
And yes, all will be Trinidadian-inspired, thus they will be healthy for you. Grab a few of these meatless dinner ideas, give them a try this week, and see which ones become a staple in your meal planning.
1. Dhal Rice And Dasheen Bush
If you’re trying a Trinidadian-inspired lunch recipe, then I think this should be at the very top of your list.
I’ve eaten this meal more than once, and it is probably the tastiest non-meat I’ve ever had. It’s very healthy and fulfilling.
Dhal can take a while to soften, and prepping the dasheen bush can take some time; every minute is worth it. It is the ultimate comfort food for every Caribbean person.
2. Baked Eggplant And Cheese
Baked eggplant and cheese is one of those meatless meals that just hits right. It’s cozy, filling, and honestly feels like something you’d crave after a long day.
I am surprised how much I love this recipe, and it was one of my go-tos when I was on the keto diet. If you have not tried it, then you are missing out.
3. Okra Rice
Okra rice is one of my favorite things to make.
It’s perfect for a vegetarian diet, and you can add some fried plantains or a little cucumber chow.
And while slicing up the okra and getting that rice just right takes a little patience. The okra can be slimy, and when it’s seasoned well, every bite is tasty. Honestly, it’s one of the best meatless meals you can make for a weeknight dinner (if you ask me).
4. Coo Coo
If you’re skipping the meat, coo coo is a solid choice for lunch or dinner. It’s satisfying and it doesn’t need anything extra.
And honestly, going meatless doesn’t feel like a sacrifice when you’ve got a dish like this, especially if you add some lentils on the side and a salad.
With a total cook time of just 20 minutes, you can add it to your meatless plan. Quick, comforting, and full of flavor.
5. Lentil Peas Patties And Noodles
If you’re craving something comforting and full of Caribbean flavor, then lentil peas patties with noodles are the best. It’s one of those easy, meatless meals that you can make quickly. Plus, it can make the perfect Sunday lunch meal that can feed a family.
And if you love lentils, then it is a great protein source without eating meat. I highly recommend this recipe, and I know that you will love it as much as I do.
6. Roti And Curry Chataigne
Roti and curry chataigne is one of my favorite meals because it is full of flavor. It’s rich, comforting, and works beautifully as a meatless dinner.
For this recipe, the chataigne is simmered with garlic, spices, coconut milk, and curry. The prep is not quick, and making roti takes some time.
But when you make it, this meal can last you a few days if it is stored correctly.
7. Bhagi Rice
Bhagi rice is easily one of the best meatless dinner ideas on the list, and I’m not just saying that because it’s mine.
It’s a simple, wholesome meal to throw together when you want something healthy but still full of flavor. This meal has dasheen bush, coconut milk, rice, and green seasoning.
You can add a salad to the side or some cucumber chow. My mom loves it with pigtail, but it tastes amazing without meat, so you are not missing out.
8. Tomato Choka And Sada
Tomato choka and sada roti are my version of a comfort breakfast.
If you’re skipping meat but still want something warm and crave-worthy, this is a great pick. The roasted tomatoes are mashed with garlic, onion, and a little pepper, giving them that smoky taste.
It’s quick to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
9. Callaloo And Rice
Callaloo and rice are every Trinidadian’s go-to Sunday lunch idea. And yes, you do not need any meat for it to taste good.
It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor from coconut milk, garlic, onion, and green seasoning. If you like me and want a taste of crab with add it to your food; you can throw in a pack of Maggie crab seasoning.
This dish takes at least 40 minutes to prepare, and you can have macaroni pie on the side.
10. Trini Macaroni Pie
Macaroni pie is one of the most loved comfort foods in Trinidad. Plus, it’s totally meatless and still full of flavor.
It’s cheesy, creamy, and baked until golden on top. You just mix cooked pasta with eggs, cheese, milk, and a few seasonings, then pop it in the oven. That’s it.
It’s perfect for meal prep, easy to reheat, and goes great with callaloo, stew lentils, or even by itself.
11. Aloo Pie
If you’re still craving something savory and satisfying, then aloo pie is a no-brainer for your meatless lineup.
With soft, seasoned mashed potatoes in golden fried dough, it’s a street food that feels like home. Add a little tamarind sauce or pepper, and it’s pure comfort.
It’ll keep you full, costs next to nothing to make, and proves that vegetarian meals don’t have to be boring.
12. Sada Baigan And Plantain
I’m always down for sada roti, and this roasted baigan with sweet fried plantain combo looks ridiculously tasty.
It’s quick to make, full of smoky flavor from the garlic and pepper, and the plantain adds that perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a solid pick for lunch or dinner, and it proves that simple Trinidadian meals can still feel special.
13. Pepper Roti
I love spicy comfort food, and this pepper roti looks absolutely incredible.
The filling is packed with sautéed peppers, garlic, onion, and cheese, all wrapped in soft, homemade roti that’s toasted until golden. It’s bold, flavorful, and has just the right amount of heat.
It’s the kind of meatless recipe you make when you want something tasty and cheesy.
14. Curry Channa
If you wanna dress up your lunch, but still keep things meatless, then this curry channa with roti looks like the answer.
With tender chickpeas simmered in coconut milk, curry, garlic, and green seasoning, it’s rich, savory, and full of bold Caribbean flavor. Pair it with soft sada or buss-up shut, and you’re good to go.
15. Dumpling Oil Down
I love one-pot meals, and dumpling oil down is one of those dishes that gives you everything in one bowl.
With dasheen bush, coconut milk, flour dumplings, green seasoning, and a pack of Maggie Cook-Up, it’s full of flavor and feels like a proper Caribbean comfort meal. It’s creamy, hearty, and has good ingredients that will fill you up.
When I was pregnant with my son, my mom would make this for me. I can’t get enough of this dish, and I’m sure you won’t either.
Here is a list of my favorite meatless or vegetarian Trinidadian dishes that will make you forget about meat.
