A Vegan Twist on Traditional Greek Cuisine – Orektiko


Deliciously Greek: A Vegan Twist on Traditional Greek Cuisine

What inspired ⁣the author of ‘Deliciously‍ Greek: A Vegan Twist ​on ⁣Traditional Greek‍ Cuisine’ to create vegan versions of classic Greek dishes?

When it comes to Greek cuisine, meat and dairy products⁣ often take‌ center⁤ stage. However, with a little creativity, it’s possible to enjoy the rich flavors of⁢ Greek cuisine‌ without sacrificing your vegan diet.⁤ Here are a few vegan takes on classic Greek dishes that will have you saying “Opa!” in no time.

Vegan⁤ Spanakopita

This classic ⁣Greek ⁣dish is usually filled with spinach and feta cheese. However, this vegan version‍ uses tofu and nutritional​ yeast for ⁢a creamy, cheesy ⁤flavor without the dairy.

Ingredients:

  • 1‌ package of phyllo dough
  • 1 package of firm tofu, drained and crumbled
  • 1/2 cup of nutritional yeast
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onions
  • 1/2 cup of chopped fresh‌ dill
  • 1/4 cup of olive oil
  • Salt and pepper ⁤to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. In a large bowl, mix together​ the crumbled tofu, nutritional yeast,‌ onions, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  3. Unroll the phyllo dough and cut it‍ into squares or rectangles that will fit the bottom of a⁣ baking dish.
  4. Lay down a layer of phyllo dough, brush with oil, add another layer, and repeat until you have at‍ least 4 layers.
  5. Add the tofu mixture ⁤to the baking dish.
  6. Add another layer of⁣ phyllo and repeat until ​you have⁣ at least 4 layers.
  7. Brush the top layer with oil and bake for 25-30 minutes ‍or until golden brown on top.

Vegan Moussaka

Moussaka is a hearty⁣ Greek dish ⁢that typically includes layers of ground meat, potatoes, ⁤and eggplant, all topped with a béchamel sauce. This vegan version uses lentils and cashew cream for a ⁤creamy, satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 large eggplant, thinly sliced
  • 2 large potatoes, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup ⁢of brown lentils, cooked
  • 1/2 cup of chopped onions
  • 2 cloves of garlic, ⁢minced
  • 1 ‌can‌ (14 oz) of crushed tomatoes
  • 1‍ tsp of dried oregano
  • 1 tsp of dried basil
  • 1 tsp of ground⁣ cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup of cashews, soaked⁣ overnight and drained
  • 1/2 cup of vegetable ⁤broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Arrange the ‍eggplant and potato slices in​ a single layer ‍on a baking sheet. Roast for‌ 20-25‌ minutes or ⁤until tender.
  3. In a large saucepan, ⁢sauté the onions and garlic until softened.
  4. Add the cooked lentils, ⁣crushed tomatoes, ⁤oregano, basil, cinnamon, salt, and pepper to the saucepan.
  5. Cook for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have​ blended together.
  6. In a ⁢blender, combine the soaked cashews and vegetable broth until smooth.
  7. To assemble, layer the roasted eggplant and potato slices in a baking dish.
  8. Add ⁢the lentil mixture​ on top.
  9. Top with the cashew ⁢cream.
  10. Bake for 30-35 minutes or ⁢until ‌golden brown on top.

Vegan Greek Salad

A classic Greek salad ⁤typically includes feta‌ cheese and sometimes even anchovies. ‌This vegan⁤ version uses tofu and kalamata olives‌ for a salty, tangy​ flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 1 ​head of romaine lettuce, chopped
  • 1/2 cup of ⁣cherry ⁣tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup of⁢ sliced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup of ​sliced red⁣ onions
  • 1/4⁤ cup of kalamata olives
  • 1/2‍ package of firm tofu, cubed
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil
  • 1 tbsp of lemon juice
  • 1 ‌tsp of ⁣dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

  1. In a large‌ bowl, ⁤combine the ⁤lettuce, ​cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and kalamata olives.
  2. In a separate⁢ bowl, mix together the cubed tofu, olive oil,⁤ lemon juice, oregano, salt, ⁤and pepper.
  3. Add ⁣the ⁤tofu mixture to the salad and toss to combine.

With a few vegan⁢ substitutions, you don’t‌ have to miss out on the flavors of ⁤traditional Greek cuisine. Try these recipes or experiment with your ‌own‍ vegan twists on your favorite Greek‌ dishes to ⁤enjoy a deliciously Greek meal.

Thanks for reading!



Original Source Link