The Mediterranean Vegan

This thick white bean soup is a staple in Albania. It is also eaten in Greece. A similar version is served in Morocco called loubia. The combination of mint and chili pepper give it a fresh, spicy taste. Serves 3-4 What you need: 2 cups dry white beans 3 cups vegetable broth 4 1/2 cups water 1 onion, diced 3 tbsp olive oil 3 tbsp tomato sauce 1/2 tbsp dried parsley 1/2 tbsp dried mint 1/2 tsp chili powder 1 tsp salt In a large pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil and add the 2 cups dry white beans. Cover and boil on medium heat for 20 minutes. Meanwhile, prepare the onion. In a pan, sauté the onion in the olive oil for 5 minutes. Add the tomato sauce and the spices and continue cooking for another 7-10 minutes. Add the onion mixture to the pot of beans along with 4 1/2 cups water. Cover and simmer on low heat for 2-2 1/2 hours. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and serve.

The blog has been lacking color lately, so I wanted to make something solely based on vegetables. I came across this traditional Moroccan dish called c hakchouka, which is a fancy name for spicy tomatoes and bell peppers. It also exists in Tunisia, where they put fried eggs on top. This is usually served as a salad or a side with pita bread. Serves 3-4 What you need: 4 green bell peppers 5 ripe tomatoes, diced 4 tbsp olive oil 5 cloves garlic 1/2- 1 red chili pepper 1 tsp paprika 1 1/2 tsp salt 2 tbsp lemon juice 1 tbsp parsley Preheat the oven to 200 C (400 F). Put the bell peppers on a baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes or until the skin is lightly charred. Remove from oven and remove the skin (optional). Dice the roasted bell peppers and set aside. In a medium pan on medium heat, sauté the garlic and chili pepper in the olive oil until the garlic becomes golden. Add the chopped tomatoes and spices and sauté for 15 minutes. Then add the diced bell peppers and lemon juice and sauté ...

This Moroccan salad can be served hot or cold and is usually paired as a dip with crisp breads. You can add lemon for a tangy flavor or red chili peppers for a spicy salad. Serves 2-3 What you need: 1 large eggplant (aubergine), chopped 3-4 ripe tomatoes, chopped 5 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp paprika 1.5 tsp salt 4 tbsp olive oil 1/2 cup water 3 tbsp fresh parsley 3 tbsp fresh cilantro In a large pan, bring the olive oil to medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and sauté for another 3 minutes. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix well, and cover. Simmer for 20 minutes on medium heat. Remove cover and with a masher or strong fork, mash the zaalouk. Cook for another 10 minutes on medium heat. Serve with bread.

A version of this recipe is made in Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, though it usually includes lamb or chicken. This is a vegetarian, simplified way of making this normally time-consuming meal. I made it with instant couscous, which may not be traditional but sure is faster! Serves 3-4 What you need: 2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/4 tsp ginger 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp nutmeg 1/4 tsp pepper 1/4 tsp turmeric 1/4 tsp cardamom 1/4 tsp cloves 1/4 tsp anise 1/2 tsp mint 1 tsp salt 2 carrots, peeled and chopped 1 large zucchini, chopped 1 parsnip, peeled and chopped 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 cup crushed tomatoes 1 1/2 cup cooked chickpeas/garbanzo beans 4 1/2 cups water for the couscous 1 1/4 cups instant couscous 2 1/2 cups water 1 tsp salt 1 tbsp vegetable oil 1.5 tbsp margarine In a large pan, sauté the onion, garlic, and spices in the 2 tbsp olive oil for 5 minutes on medium heat. Add the chopped vegetables and sauté for another 10 minutes. Add the crushed tomat...