Hundreds of years ago, on September 16, 1810, a Roman Catholic priest named Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered what is commonly referred to now as the Cry of Dolores in Mexico. Hidalgo’s speech was a call to arms, and essentially triggered the uprising that eventually gave way to the war that brought Mexican independence in 1821.

Now, every September 15 at 11 p.m., Mexico’s current president rings a bell at the National Palace in Mexico City, and repeats Hidalgo’s famous speech, thereby signifying the beginning of Mexico’s Independence Day. For the entirety of September 16, Mexicans celebrate with fireworks, fiestas, dances, and, of course, food.

We’ve looked through our Food Monster App to compile a list of 15 delicious gluten-free Mexican recipes in honor of the celebration. Check them out below, and let us know which ones you try and love. ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México! ¡Viva México!

1. Paleo Seven Layer Dip 

You’ll surely be the life of the party if you bring this awesome Paleo Seven Layer Dip. With sunflower seed frijoles, guac, butternut squash “queso,” meat-free chorizo, and more, nobody will believe that this is made entirely from whole foods, plant-based ingredients! Each layer is packed with flavor and nutrients, and more over, is gorgeously colorful. Who wouldn’t want to chow down?

2. Mangos Enchiladas: Mexican Spicy Mangoes 

Spices and mangoes are a match made in heaven. These Mangos Enchiladas: Mexican Spicy Mangoes are a snack, a topping to dessert, or a treat when you have a craving. Most of the work with these is waiting over night. Top sorbets or ice creams with these little guys for a spicy/sweet bite.

3. Burritos With Raw Taco Meat

The base of these Burritos With Raw Taco Meat is carrots, seeds, walnuts, spices, and herbs. This mock meat is full of flavor, has superb consistency, and is yet another quick and easy recipe to add to those long busy summer days. It’s also the perfect recipe if you need a simple way to eat more veggies!

4. Refried Bean and Salsa Soup

This Refried Bean and Salsa Soup is surprisingly delicious. It sounds pretty good when you read the recipe, but when you eat it, you won’t be able to get enough. Jam-packed with flavor, healthy, and simple to make, this refried bean and salsa soup is perfect for dinner and to have leftovers for the next day.

5. Young Coconut Meat Ceviche 

This Young Coconut Meat Ceviche is the perfect fresh and healthy appetizer. Young coconut takes the place of seafood in this traditional dish and it’s an absolutely wonderful substitute. Plus, this dish is packed with crisp vegetables and a healthy dose of lemon and lime juice that makes it the utterly refreshing dangerously good to dip your chips in.

6. Tex-Mex Walnut Cauliflower Fajita Bowl 

This is a hybrid recipe of Mexican and American food. The flavors, crunch, and seasoning are very Mexican. The highlight of this Tex-Mex Walnut Cauliflower Fajita Bowl is the walnut cauliflower fajita. This is actually much better than meat substitutes because of the roasted taste, nutty crunch, and comforting cauliflower softness. Half of the Walnut cauliflower fajita won’t make it on to your bowl because you won’t be able to stop eating it by the spoonful straight from the baking sheet. Oops.

7. Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers 

Some nights you just need a quick and easy summer meal. In these Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers, fresh corn from the cob, black olives, and cherry tomatoes are added to the quinoa along with a refreshing, spicy salsa. If you want to make them extra tasty, crumble in some vegan pepperjack to the mix.

8. Breakfast Chilaquiles 

Sometimes, you wake up and you feel “eh” and you just need a big pile of savory and greasy breakfast. These Breakfast Chilaquiles will make you fall back in love with life. There is no better hangover cure than greasy, fried food. Plus, these vegan chilaquiles are the ultimate breakfast and brunch meal. Serve this up, and you’ll literally have people eating outta the palm of your hand!

9. Swiss Chard Enchiladas With Avocado Cream

Enchiladas are traditionally wheat or corn tortillas filled with meat that are then rolled and baked in a dish of spicy sauce and loaded with cheese. This healthier version of Swiss Chard Enchiladas With Avocado Cream uses rainbow Swiss chard leaves in place of the tortillas and veg and beans for the filling. The rainbow colored stems are packed with antioxidants and is hence a very nutritious addition to the dish. The sweet potato, corn, and black bean filling is delicious on its own but is made divine when paired with the silky avocado cream.

10. Spicy Bean, Mushroom, and Avocado Quesadilla 

This Mexican comfort food of Spicy Bean, Mushroom, and Avocado Quesadillas is packed with healthy and wholesome ingredients that will satisfy your craving for a quesadilla and nourish your body and mind at the same time. It’s packed smoky beans, smashed avocado with lime, garlicky mushrooms, and a creamy tahini dressing turns the dish into something extraordinarily delicious.

11. Roasted Eggplant With Spicy Rice and Spring Greens 

This recipe for Roasted Eggplant With Spicy Rice and Spring Greens is the perfect meal for the weeknights because it is elegantly simple and takes very little time to cook. The eggplants are roasted in the oven and then served with some wilted spring green, spicy Mexican rice, and a squeeze of lime to make all of the flavors pop.

12. Cinnamon Churros With Chocolate Ganache 

These Cinnamon Churros With Chocolate Ganache can be enjoyed with a divinely rich dark chocolate ganache that makes the treat all that much more indulgent. These cinnamon churros would be great served at a party, summer BBQ, events … anything, really. So what are you waiting for?

13. Tres Leches Flan 

This Tres Leches Flan is a Mexican sweet that is traditionally made using milk, sweetened condensed milk, evaporated milk, and eggs. In this simple recipe, three kinds of non-dairy milk are used and cornstarch takes the place of eggs. Served with syrup and fresh fruit, this treat has a rich, custard-like texture that just melts in your mouth!

14. Grilled Corn With Avocado Crema

This recipe for Grilled Corn With Avocado Crema is brilliant because of its simplicity. You char the corn on the grill and while you’re doing that, whip up the silky-smooth avocado crema and then slather that all over you piping hot grilled ears of corn. Yum!

15. Conchas: Mexican Sweet Bread 

These traditional Conchas: Mexican Sweet Breads are a fun, colorful treat that goes great with coffee. Conchas are made from two different layers of bread. The main roll has a texture and weight similar to that of brioche but it is slightly sweeter and the top layer is sugary, crumbly, and delicious.

If you’re looking for more vegan Mexican recipes then we highly recommend downloading our Food Monster App, which is available for both Android and iPhone, and can also be found on Instagram and Facebook. The app has more than 8,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to ten new recipes per day. Check it out, and have a happy Mexican Independence Day!

Lead image source: Mexican Quinoa Stuffed Peppers