SAY WHAT! IT'S VEGAN?

Adjoa Courtney, known professionally as “Chef Joya,” has a passion for turning basic recipes into exquisite delicacies — a talent that has changed her life.

photography by JONATHAN COOPER

Behind The Mix

Growing up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in the heart of the Midwest and raised vegan since she was seven years old, Joya spent a lot of time in her grandmother’s kitchen absorbing the aroma of the food she cooked, along with the wisdom that her grandmother preached. It was during these early years that Joya became fascinated by other elders in her community and oftentimes befriended them in food havens, like international supermarkets, to obtain their authentic recipes.

After years of honing her culinary skills, she began to host dinner parties for her family and friends. She created mind-blowing and aweinspiring dining experiences that left them amazed and wanting more. From there, she began to make vlogs and offer cooking lessons via her Instagram account, which subsequently became very popular with her social media fans and followers. With the love and support of those closest to her, Joya (who was then working primarily as a makeup artist and beauty professional) decided to pursue her childhood dream and became a personal chef.

Following the plant-based foundation of the food she grew up on, Joya began to “veganize” traditional recipes that typically contained animal products, which has since turned into her specialty. She wants her food to remind others transitioning to veganism of the meals they enjoyed before they became vegan. As Chef Joya experimented with different cultural flavors such as Soul Food, African, Afro-Caribbean, and French, her recipes expanded to include cuisines from across the globe. Recognizing the need for vegan cuisine in many culinary genres, Chef Joya began teaching other chefs how to prepare plant-based meals for their clients. She is revered by both vegans and non-vegans alike and is arguably one of the best vegan culinary artists in all the United States.

Although Joya currently resides in Charlotte, she travels across the country winning the hearts and stomachs of communities near and far. She draws in vegans and meat-eaters alike and sells out venues wherever she goes. Joya, who loves all things bright, colorful, and unique, enjoys providing amazingly delicious — and magical — meals for everyone she encounters.

With several awards, successful restaurant collaborations, and cooking competition titles under her belt, Chef Joya can be found experimenting with dishes, preparing for her next dinner party where she provides great food, wonderful stories, and intimate five-star experience. Or one can find her sharing recipes on Instagram and YouTube via her channel, “Say What! It’s Vegan?” Recent accolades include being named critics’ choice “Best Vegan Chef” as well as readers’ choice “Best Chef” in The Best of the Nest 2019 issue of Queen City Nerve, Charlotte’s Alternative Weekly Newspaper, and being a featured chef (the only vegan chef) on BuzzFeed’s Tasty social media channels and in “Juggling Acts” of SouthPark Magazine. M

Tomato Cucumber Salad

Ingredients:

1 long English cucumber, sliced 2-3 large tomato moons, sliced ½ red onion, sliced 1 tbsp fresh parsley and dill, herbs 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp red wine vinegar Sugar, a pinch Sea salt, to taste Pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place all vegetables into a serving bowl. In a separate bowl, create the dressing, using a whisk, to mix the remaining ingredients.

2. Pour dressing over vegetables.

3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Serve chilled.

"As a transitioning meat eater to vegan who has come very close to staying on the vegan wagon, only to fall off at the smells from a BBQ, I can say with confidence after sampling the many different items showcased, I know I can stay on track. Everything that was presented was appealing to the eye and the flavors were off the charts!”

Client Testimonial

A Super Fan, Renee Wright

Mini Krab Cakes

INGREDIENTS:

1 can jackfruit, drained and rinsed ¾ cup mashed chickpeas ½ cup nori (sushi wrappers), crushed ½ tsp Old Bay seasoning ¼ tsp salt ½ tsp ground black pepper 1 ½ tsp garlic powder 1 tsp lemon juice ½ cup plain bread crumbs ½ cup of vegan mayo 1 tbsp chickpea flour ½ cup vegetable oil

DIRECTIONS:

1. Shred the jackfruit, using two forks to peel.

2. Combine onions, Old Bay seasoning, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, sushi paper, bread crumbs, mayo, and chickpea flour into a large mixing bowl.

3. Mix well.

4. Hand-form the mixture into patties, then let sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.

5. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, over medium heat.

6. Add a few patties to the oil, frying each side until golden brown.

7. Drain patties on a paper towel.

Rice Pilaf

Pictured with Not Your Mama's Meatloaf

INGREDIENTS:

¼ cup olive oil or ½ stick vegan butter 1 cup onion, chopped ½ cup red bell pepper, chopped ¼ cup celery, chopped 1 tsp garlic, minced 1½ cups parboiled rice, uncooked ½ tsp Creole seasoning ¼ tsp garlic salt ½ tsp black pepper, freshly cracked 3 cups vegetable broth, or water 2 bay leaves

DIRECTIONS:

1. Add the olive oil or vegan butter to a medium saucepan.

2. Once oil is slightly brown, add the vegetables, and sauté for about 5 minutes.

3. Continue to stir, over medium heat, and add the rice.

4. As your rice begins to brown, add in the seasonings and the vegetable stock.

5. Bring the rice to a boil, cover, and reduce heat to simmer.

6. Cook the rice for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and most of the water has been absorbed.