There’s nothing quite like some good home cooking. A hearty, satisfying meal with all the works is comforting and almost nostalgic for those with Southern roots. Not sure how to cook traditional Southern food with plant-based ingredients? We used the Food Monster App to search out some of the best southern-styled recipes so that everyone can celebrate National Southern Food Day with plenty of choices!

1. ‘Chicken’ and Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup

Say hello to the ultimate Southern comfort breakfast, the plant-based version of Chicken and Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup. Crispy vegan chickpea chicken on top off fluffy moist waffles topped with spicy and sweet maple syrup! The cutlets are made from a combination of chickpeas and vital wheat gluten, which gives it a tender, meaty texture. Get ready to lick your plate.

2. Black-Eyed Pea Chili With Collard

Looking for a hearty chili to help you survive the cold winter months? Look no further. This Black-Eyed Pea Chili is slowly simmered over six hours so that the flavors can fuse together, and then served over sautéed collard greens with homemade cornbread. It’s delicious, filling, and healthy. Yum yum!

3. Battered Okra Fritters

This recipe for Battered Okra Fritters will give you the perfect dish to bring to a party, and you’ll be glad you did. The seasoned batter provides a crisp golden shell that is complimented by the tender okra inside. Plus, this recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly easy to make.

4. Breakfast Andouille Sausage With Biscuits

Breakfast is served with these Breakfast Andouille Sausage With Biscuits. You can prep the sausage a day or two in advance, and the biscuits are pretty quick as well. They can also be made in advance and frozen, then defrosted when you need them.

5.  ‘Fried’ Green Tomatoes With Cashew Cream

Fried Green Tomatoes are a southern classic, but we decided to put a healthier baked twist on them! They’re a combination of crispy cornmeal coating and piping hot, tart, and tender cooked green tomatoes, made all the more delicious accompanied by a cool, creamy dip. In this particular recipe, the tomatoes are “fried” in the oven and are served with a dairy-free cashew cream.

6. Cajun Tofu With Creamy Grits and Collard Greens

This Cajun Tofu With Creamy Grits and Collard Greens recipe gives you three incredible dishes that form one epic meal. The tofu is marinated in a spicy, tangy, homemade Cajun spice mix and served with rich, creamy grits and garlicky greens. This meal will be a hit whenever you put it on the table.

7. Sweet Potato Casserole With Rosemary Pecan Parmesan

This is not your traditional casserole. This Sweet Potato Casserole With Rosemary Pecan Parmesan is topped with a vegan rosemary pecan parmesan. The topping is bursting with flavor from garlic, rosemary, toasted pecans, and nutritional yeast. It makes a great sugar-free vegan Christmas dinner side dish.

8. Braised Seitan Short Ribs in Spicy Chili Sauce

After braising in the spicy chili sauce, these Seitan Short Ribs will be tender to the point of almost falling apart. The meaty texture is on point. Serve them over mashed potatoes for a smooth and creamy base. This dish is so comforting, warm, and satisfying.

9. Classic Louisiana-Style Red Bean Gumbo

Classic Louisiana-Style Red Bean Gumbo is traditionally a bean stew made with meat or shrimp, okra, red pepper, celery, and onion. In this vegan version, beans function as the only protein and do not hold back on flavor. Not only is it full of layers upon layers of flavor, but this dish only requires one-pot.

10. Sweet Potato Pie

Sweet potato steals the spotlight from pumpkin in this wonderful Sweet Potato Pie. This is a classic southern comfort dish. Top it with pecans and coconut whipped cream to really wow your guests.

11. Jalapeño Hush Puppies

Some of you may be wondering, what the heck is a hush puppy? It’s basically a fried corn dog, with no dog, and whatever you else would like to pack in there! Sounds underwhelming, but it’s so good. Some days you just need something fried and indulgent, and these Jalapeño Hush Puppies will hit the spot.

12. Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie

Need a dessert that’s dressed to impress? This Black Bottom Banana Cream Pie will get the job done! It’s made from layers of dairy-free ganache, creamy, custard-y banana, and a billowy coconut whipped cream topping. Drizzle with melted chocolate and crispy banana chips for presentation!

13. Southern-Fried Tofu With Maple Dill Sauce

These Southern-Fried Tofu With Maple Dill Sauce strips can turn any tofu hater into a tofu lover. They are crunchy and indulgent are made even more tasty when dipped generously into the maple dill sauce. Boring, bland tofu no more!

14. Oven-Fried Okra With Sunflower Cider Dip

Enjoy the crispiness of Oven-Fried Okra With Sunflower Cider Dip without having to fret over the nutritional value! These baked and cornmeal-crusted bites are cooked in the oven as opposed to a deep fryer, making it a healthier option. They make the perfect appetizer to serve alongside this sunflower cider dip.The dip is made from sunflower seeds, apple cider vinegar, and plenty of dried herbs. Basically, you’re getting “fried” okra and a sauce without any added oils. You’re welcome!

15. Cajun-Spiced Jackfruit Sandwiches

These Cajun-Spiced Jackfruit Sandwiches are mouth-watering! You have a heaping pile of roasted jackfruit in a homemade Cajun spice rub, topped with a creamy vegan ranch dressing, and finished with some lettuce, tomatoes, and onions. Yum!

Don’t forget about desserts. Check out these recipes by downloading the 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 10,000 plant-based, allergy-friendly recipes, and subscribers gain access to new recipes every day. Check it out!

Lead image source: ‘Chicken’ and Waffles With Spicy Maple Syrup