Sunflower Cheese Dip

Welcome to Our Kitchen:

Hello from Lviv! We are Marta and Oxana, co-founders of Lviv Vegan Kitchen in Ukraine. We have dedicated ourselves to feeding not only refugees with vegan meals but also soldiers in need. In this course, we invite you into our kitchen, kindly hosted in Ireland at the Firefighting Chef’s kitchen by Paul Knapp, to master a Ukrainian staple reimagined – the melted cheese dip. Unlike the common recipes you might find, ours celebrates the unique, bold flavors of Ukrainian cuisine using vegan alternatives.

• Crafting Unique Flavors: Learn how to use humble sunflower seeds and the surprising twist of Marmite to emulate the deep, complex taste of traditional fermented dairy cheese.
• Perfecting the Texture: We’ll guide you through the process of blending these ingredients to achieve a creamy, satisfying texture that’s perfect for dipping.
• Sustainable Practices: Gain insight into how we utilize local, affordable ingredients to create dishes that are not only delicious but also sustainable and kind to our planet.

Who This Course Is For:

Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, if you have a love for Eastern European flavors and a passion for plant-based cooking, this course is for you. It’s designed for anyone eager to explore new culinary horizons while embracing sustainable cooking methods.

Course Details:

• Serving Size: Perfect for 4-6 people as a delightful dip.
• Preparation & Cooking Time: About 30 minutes of active preparation, plus overnight refrigeration to let the flavors meld beautifully.
• Skill Level: Suitable for beginners and intermediate cooks. Some familiarity with food processing will enhance your experience.

This versatile dip caters to various dietary needs. It’s inherently vegan and nut-free. For a gluten-free version, ensure all ingredients such as nutritional yeast are certified gluten-free. For those avoiding soy, substitute any soy sauce with a suitable alternative like coconut aminos. This recipe can be adapted for low-sodium diets by reducing or omitting salt.

Join Us:

Let us show you that vegan cooking doesn’t mean compromising on taste or tradition. We’re here to guide you every step of the way, from our kitchen to yours, to share a piece of our heritage redefined for a conscious, compassionate world.

MEET THE CHEFS

In the heart of Ukraine, amidst the turmoil of the Russian invasion, the Lviv Vegan Kitchen (LVK), founded by sisters Marta Ostrovska and Oksana Khomiak, stands as a symbol of hope and resilience. With the conflict beginning in February 2022, LVK swiftly became a cornerstone of compassion, providing essential vegan food aid across Ukraine. Prior to the war, the country was witnessing a surge in veganism, with a notable percentage of the population embracing plant-based diets. However, the outbreak of hostilities propelled Ostrovska and Khomiak to pivot from their entrepreneurial endeavors in handmade jewelry and home decor to fully commit to the cause of LVK.