Vegan Puerto Rican Guanimes: A Delicious and Cultural Delight
Guanimes, a traditional Puerto Rican dish, are more than just a meal; they are a piece of the island’s rich cultural heritage. These corn dumplings, wrapped in plantain or banana leaves, are a staple in many Puerto Rican households. Here’s how you can enjoy a vegan version of this beloved dish, infused with the vibrant flavors and traditions of Puerto Rico.
Ingredients
For the Guanimes:
- 2 cups fine yellow cornmeal
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons vegan margarine or coconut oil
- Plantain or banana leaves for wrapping
For the Stewed Codfish Alternative (using beans):
- 1 cup cooked chickpeas or black beans (for a more traditional flavor, use chickpeas)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 Cubanelle pepper, diced
- 1 cup tomato sauce or puree
- 1 teaspoon Adobo Seasoning Blend (see below)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Adobo Seasoning Blend
- 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt
- 1 tablespoon Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon Garlic Powder
- 1 tablespoon Smoked Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Instructions
Preparing the Guanimes
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cornmeal, sugar, and salt. Whisk until well blended.
- Form the Dough: Pour in the coconut milk and add the vegan margarine or coconut oil. Mix until a dough forms.
- Rest the Dough: Allow the dough to rest in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to thicken.
- Wrap the Guanimes: Place 2 tablespoons of the cornmeal mixture onto a plantain or banana leaf, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges. Fold the leaf over the dough, forming a small log, and roll it several times until it is completely wrapped. Tie a knot at each end with kitchen string.
- Steam the Guanimes: Steam the wrapped guanimes for 30 to 40 minutes.
Preparing the Stewed Chickpeas (Codfish Alternative)
- Sauté the Vegetables: In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and Cubanelle pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the Tomato Sauce and Adobo: Pour in the tomato sauce or puree and add the Adobo Seasoning Blend. Stir well to combine.
- Add the Chickpeas: Add the cooked chickpeas to the pot and stir to coat with the sauce.
- Season and Simmer: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the stew simmer for about 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Serving
Once the guanimes are steamed and the stew is ready, unwrap the guanimes and serve them alongside the stewed chickpeas. Garnish with fresh cilantro for an added burst of flavor and color.
Cultural Significance
Guanimes are more than just a meal; they represent the resourcefulness and creativity of Puerto Rican cuisine. Wrapped in plantain or banana leaves, these dumplings are a testament to the island’s indigenous and African influences. Serving them with a stew made from chickpeas or black beans not only makes the dish vegan-friendly but also honors the traditional use of locally available ingredients.
Tips and Variations
- For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a splash of lime juice to the stew to balance the flavors.
- If you prefer a heartier stew, you can add some diced potatoes or sweet potatoes.
- TVP (Textured Vegetable Protein) is a great alternative if you want a texture closer to meat, and it is easily available and affordable in Puerto Rico.
Enjoy your vegan guanimes with the rich, savory flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine, and let this dish transport you to the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes of the island.
- Vegan Boricua Pantry Essentials