It is no surprise by now that I use my kitchen as a means to transport myself around the world. I started Faraway Kitchen in the very beginning of Covid, when traveling was stripped away. I became captivated by the idea of cooking my favorite dishes from around the world. How whimsical to step into my kitchen dreaming of a German Schnitzel only to step through a portal to the wonderland through the magic of food.
I was in the beginning of my veganism, and wondering if I would be able to cope with the idea of never eating some of my favorite dishes from around the world again. So I decided that would simply not be a part of the story. I was not “giving up” anything. I was going to create a vegan version of all those iconic dishes- from Spanish Paella to British Fish n’ Chips. I was going to make going vegan more magical that falling through a Narnian wardrobe, and nothing was going to stop me.
These are some of my absolute favorite vegan European creations that inspired me during the beginning of my vegan journey. I hope that lift you up and take you anywhere, just as they did me.
1. Italian Carbonara
Spaghetti Carbonara should be 3 things: simple, quick, and elegant. Enjoy this vegan homage to the classic pasta and pretend you are in Roma. Creamy eggless carbonara topped with rich “bacon” bits and savory mushrooms.
2. German Schnitzel
Tender, flavorful, and crispy celery root schnitzel. Marinated, baked until tender, then battered, breaded, and fried until golden. Served with the German rahmsauce cream and your choice of German side dish.
3. Hungarian Goulash
When I eat goulash, I’m not just eating a soup. I’m eating a piece of bubbling history. I’m consuming the meal of artists. Vegan traditional Hungarian goulash stew, served over a bed of noodles, and topped with fresh parsley.
4. Danish Smørrebrød Sandwich
Danish open-face sandwich of dark rye bread with a cream cheese spread. Layered with roasted carrot lox sliced and marinated with seaweed and smokey soy flavorings. Topped with pickled or fresh veggies and dill. Each smørrebrød is topped and decorated slightly different allowing you to be extra creative with this dish.
5. Russian Stroganoff
This classic eastern European comfort dish is as Russian as it gets. Tender onions and mushrooms are simmered in thick gravy and poured over your choice of mashed potatoes or noodles. Top this meal with a handful of fresh parsley to bring it all together for that classic presentation.
6. British Fish and Chips
To say I adore the United Kingdom is an understatement. Let me transport you to an England pub for my beer battered “fish” and chips. Banana blossom does a great job mocking the flakey texture of fish. These beer battered blossoms will change the way you think about vegan food. Serve with double fried chips and homemade tartar sauce.
7. Polish Pierogi
The ultimate eastern European comfort food. Vegan Polish dumplings stuffed with mashed potatoes and caramelized onions. Pan fried until golden, topped with vegan bacon bits, and served with sour cream to dipping sauce.
8. French Bourguignon
Vegan version of Julia Childs famous Beef Bourguignon. This mushroom based version gives off a hearty, elegant French atmosphere. Trickled with ingredients like steak seasoning, fresh thyme, and red wine… we will have your kitchen smelling like a Burgundy vineyard.
9. Greek Moussaka
Vegan version of the classic Greek comfort dish Moussaka. Traditional potato eggplant lasagna with a shiitake mushrooms and tofu then topped with a béchamel sauce and baking slowly until top is crisp.
10. Mediterranean Date Kebab
These kebabs are so simple because we are only skewering 3 main ingredients. The combination of sweet and savory. They consist of marinated cauliflower, sweet medjool dates, and red onion. Baked and served with your favorite side of rice pilaf and tzatziki sauce.
So I peered through a window. A deep portal, time travel. All the love we unravel, and the life I gave away.”
Taylor Swift