Try this delicious and nutritious Vegan Pochero that is easy to cook, without animal fat, and does not compromise in taste. It is a comfort food and a Filipino favorite in many homes. It's a healthy dish to serve for any occasion, too. Check this out!

Try more of my delicious Filipino vegan recipes that you will surely love: Tofu Sisig, Congee, and my comforting Sinigang

vegan pochero in a pot loaded with delicious vegetables and vege meat

Jump to:

What is Vegan Pochero?
Health Benefits of Sweet Potato
Substitutions
Variations
Storage
Ingredients
Top Tips
FAQ
Vegan Pochero

What is Vegan Pochero?

Pochero is a famous Filipino main dish inspired by the original hearty stew dish of the Spaniards. The word "Puchero" literally means stew pot.

Most Pochero recipes use chunks of pork meat, vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, potatoes, and saba banana cut also in generous chunks. Some also cook Pochero using beef and chicken breast.

Some even add in chorizo, cabbage, green peas, and leeks. The taste of Pochero is mildly sweet which comes from the saba bananas and savory, which comes from the seasonings like fish sauce, soy sauce, pepper, and salt.

Pochero truly is comfort food for many, as it is a complete meal in itself. You get loads of carbohydrates, protein, vitamins, and minerals from the vegetables and tomato sauce.

This vegan version of pochero has now become a popular option for Filipinos and non-Filipinos who also love the Pochero dish. Because we are using pork-like vegan meat, you really won't know it's vegan.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potato

Rich in Nutrients: Packed with vitamins A, C, and B6, as well as essential minerals like potassium and manganese, sweet potatoes support overall health.
Boosts Immune System: High levels of beta-carotene (converted to vitamin A) strengthen the immune system and improve vision health.
Supports Digestive Health: Contains a good amount of dietary fiber, promoting better digestion and preventing constipation.

Substitutions

Coconut oil: You can use olive oil instead. Just remember that olive oil has a high smoke point so you have to be quick in sauteing and adjust the stove heat properly.
Saba bananas: Plantains are an excellent substitute, offering a similar sweetness and texture.

Variations

Add in coconut milk after adding a bit of water to the vegetables. I am sure that would be a delicious twist to this Vegan Pochero recipe.
Try splashing a bit of hot sauce for a little kick in your taste buds.

Storage

Let the stew cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Freeze in individual portions for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water if the broth thickens.

Ingredients

Here's a quick overview of all the ingredients you will need:

coconut oil
garlic
red onion
sweet potato
water
ginger
saba banana or saba na saging
carrots
lemongrass
soy sauce
pork -like protein meat (bought in a Buddhist shop or any health food store)
bell pepper
pechay (bok choy)
salt
pepper

Instructions

Preheat a nonstick pan over medium heat with oil. Saute garlic and onion:

sauteing the onion and garlic in a pot for vegan pochero recipe

Add in the sweet potato and cover until the potato softens:

sauteing the cubed sweet potatoes together with the onion and garlic

Add water to the sauteed spices and sweet potato:

adding water to the sauteed sweet potato and spice

Cover until it boils. You can mash it to thicken the pochero soup:

Now it's time to add the cubed potatoes:

adding the potatoes to the simmering vegetables

Add ginger to enhance the flavor of the soup:

adding ginger to the simmering vegetables

Add saba bananas:

adding saba bananas to the simmering vegetables for the Vegan Pochero recipe

Add in the carrots, and lemongrass, and cover with a lid to boil:

adding carrots and covering the pot with a lid

Mix in soy sauce:

seasoning the vegan pochero with soy sauce

Add in the vege meat, bell pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix and season according to your taste:

seasoning with salt, pepper and adding the bell pepper to the simmering vegetables

Add a bunch of pechay or cabbage then cover to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. Do not stir:

adding in the pechay or bok choi and the vege meat to the rest of the Vegan Pochero ingredients

Here it is with all the lively colors from the vegetables. This is such a nutritious and healthy treat!

Serve it with steamed brown rice or quinoa. I am sure you will love the taste of this Filipino soup!

Top Tips

Do not overcook your vegetables. A delicious vegan pochero has to have that crunch from the vegetables.
If you are not in a hurry, you can fry your veggies separately. By doing so, you get that slightly crispy texture from your vegetables.
You can mash the vegetables like sweet potatoes to thicken the soup of the vegan pochero.
Make sure to cut your vegetables evenly - not too small and not too big - just enough for them to get cooked faster and evenly.
If you love stews with tomato sauce, you can add tomato sauce to this Vegan Pochero recipe.

FAQ

Why is it called Pochero?

Pochero comes from the Spanish word "puchero," which means stewpot, reflecting its origins as a hearty Spanish-inspired dish. Over time, it was adapted in the Philippines with local ingredients like saba bananas and vegetables.

Is pochero good for diet?

Pochero can be a healthy addition to your diet, especially when made with fresh vegetables and plant-based proteins. Its nutrient-rich ingredients provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals while being naturally low in calories.

What is the difference between Pochero and bulalo?

Pochero is a sweet and savory stew made with bananas, sweet potatoes, and a tomato-based broth. Bulalo, on the other hand, is a bone marrow soup with a clear broth, often featuring corn and leafy greens.

Here are more delicious Filipino food to try: