Vegan Herring – A Ukrainian Delight

Join Marta and Oksana, the chef sisters from Lviv, Ukraine, as they guide you through the process of creating a vegan version of a traditional Ukrainian herring dish. This recipe, a staple in Ukrainian Christmas dinners, has been veganized to retain its classic flavors without using any animal products.

Serves: 4-5 people
Preparation Time: Approximately 30 minutes (with a crucial refrigeration step of at least 24 hours)
Cooking Time: About 20 minutes

What You Will Learn

• Ingredients Selection: Learn how to choose the right ingredients for a vegan substitute that resembles the traditional herring in flavor and texture.
• Mixing Techniques: Get hands-on with techniques to mix and prepare the vegan “herring” using ingredients like wheat gluten, nori sheets, and a special marinade.
• Cultural Significance: Understand the cultural significance of herring in Ukrainian cuisine, especially during Christmas, and how vegan options can align with traditional practices.

Ideal For

This vegan “herring” is ideal for:

• Enthusiasts looking to expand their festive meal options.
• Cultural Cuisine Explorers interested in ethical and plant-based alternatives to traditional dishes.
• Holiday Cooking: Perfect for Christmas and New Year celebrations, aligning with the Ukrainian tradition of serving multiple dishes.

What This Course Offers

• Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions: From mixing the initial ingredients to the final marinating process.
• Hands-On Learning Experience: Techniques to ensure the seitan absorbs flavors properly.
• Cultural Insights: Insights into Ukrainian culinary traditions and how to maintain these in a vegan diet.

Recipe Note

After preparing the “herring,” it must be refrigerated for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to develop fully and to achieve the desired consistency, making it similar to traditional herring in both taste and texture.

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.