The layers of delicious ingredients, the moreish goodness of it all coming together, the deep tradition of a hearty home cooked meal that’s stewed and simmered in that so recognisable black pot – it’s all there when someone decides to bring out the potjie. That’s why it’s a favourite cooking pastime among South Africans.

The potjie is usually a meat-based concoction, with any and every kind usually being added in some iteration. But that’s not to say that in the absence of meat, the potjie is at risk of being less exciting, and that vegans will never truly enjoy this much loved homestyle treat. On the contrary, simmering your favourite veggies in layers, among the likes of fresh garlic, parsley, salt and pepper, can make for potjiekos that’s just as scrumptious.

When it comes to creating the perfect vegan potjie, it’s all in the vegetable selection – the fleshier the better to give your vegan potjie that substantial, abundant deliciousness. Are you looking for the perfect vegan potjie recipe? We have one just for you.

What Ingredients Are Needed to Make Vegan Potjiekos?

Firstly, here’s what you'll need:

• An onion, chopped into quarters
• A green pepper cut into cube
• Chopped garlic
• Tinned tomatoes
• Potatoes, peeled cubed
• Chopped celery
• Chopped turnips
• Green beans
• Cabbage
• Chopped parsley
• 100ml of water

How to Prepare a Vegan Potjie

Once you have these ingredients together, it’s time for prep. And just as important as those fleshy veggies are for your cook, is layering them in the right order, for the best flavour infusion.

So, potatoes go first, then it’s carrots, beans, celery, turnips, onions, pepper, leek, and lastly, cabbage. This technique ensures the most even cook, from the dense potato base to the leafy cabbage at the top, and all through the middle. Then, once you've mastered your layers, pop in the tinned tomatoes, with a smattering of salt, and pepper to your liking, and of course, the parsley for that earthy tang. Let it all simmer for about an hour. Top tip: for extra flavour, add Knorr’s Vegetable Stock Pot, made with slow-simmered ingredients for an all-over, savoury tastiness.

And there you have it. The perfect vegan potjie. A conglomeration fit for any potjiekos feast – all your favourites, gathering flavours from each other, and simmering and swirling in perfect fusion, for a taste that’s unmatched. It’s good to be South African. Browse more vegan-inspired recipes.