For 4 servings:

750 g of tomato passata
1 1/2 cup water
2 red bell peppers
1 onion,  finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon oregano
salt and pepper, to taste

fresh basil / parsley, finely chopped

Wash the sweet peppers, dry with a kitchen towel and roast on the grill/oven, on each side, being careful not to burn. Put the roasted peppers in a pan, sprinkle with salt and cover. Allow them to rest for approx. 10 minutes  than peel them (dip your fingers  in cold water to release the peel). Cut into pieces.

Heat the oil in a soup pan, add the onion and garlic. Stir fry until the onion has softened.

Add the water, tomato passata, roasted peppers and oregano. Cover and simmer for about 10-15 minutes.

Blend/process with a blender / processor until smooth.

Add salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh basil or parsley and, if desired, with a little bit olive oil.Pentru 4 portii:

750 g suc de rosii
1 1/2 cana apa
2 ardei grasi rosii
1 ceapa, taiata marunt
3 catei de usturoi, taiati marunt
1 lingura ulei de masline
1 1/2 lingurita oregano
sare si piper, dupa gust

busuioc/patrunjel proaspat, taiat fin

Ardeii se spala, se usuca cu un servet și se coc pe plită/grătar/cuptor, întorcandu-se pe fiecare parte, avand grijă să nu se ardă. Cand sunt gata copți se pun într-o cratiță, se presară cu sare și se acoperă. După aprox. 10 minute se curăță de coajă înmuindu-se degetele în apă rece. Se taie in bucatele.

Se incinge uleiul intr-o oala, se adauga ceapa si usturoiul si se inabuse, amestecand din cand in cand, pana cand ceapa s-a inmuiat putin.

Se adauga apa, sucul de rosii, ardeii copti si oregano. Se acopera si se fierbe 10-15 minute.

Se mixeaza totul cu ajutorul unui blender/mixer pana cand se obtine o crema fina.

Se potriveste de sare si piper si se orneaza cu busuioc sau patrunjel proaspat si, dupa dorinta, cu putin ulei de masline.

Lentil pate

1 cup green lentils
2 bay leaves
10-15 peppercorns
2 tablespoons oil
1 onion, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 teaspoons thyme
1 teaspoon paprika powder
1 tbsp. tomato puree
1 cup dry white wine
salt and pepper, to taste

Wash the lentils thoroughly and cook them together with the bay leaves and peppercorns in 3 cups of water. If needed add more water.

When the lentils are cooked drain but keep the water apart. Remove the bay leaves and peppercorns.

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan and stir fry the onion and garlic for 3-4 minutes.  Add the wine, the remaining spices and cook, uncovered, until the onion is soft and the alcohol has evaporated. Add the tomato puree dissolved in a little bit of water from the cooked lentils. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Put all the ingredients in a food processor / blender and process/blend until smooth. If needed add a little bit more water from the cooked lentils until you obtain the  consistency of a pate.

Pateu de linte

1 cana linte verde
2 frunze dafin
10-15 boabe de piper
2 linguri ulei
1 ceapa, taiata marunt
3-4 catei usturoi, taiati marunt
2 lingurite cimbru
1 lingurita boia dulce
1 lingura bulion de rosii
1 pahar vin sec alb
sare, piper, dupa gust

Lintea se spala bine si se pune la fiert impreuna cu frunzele de dafin si boabele de piper in 3 cani de apa. Daca este nevoie se mai adauga apa pe parcurs.

Cand lintea a fiert se surge de apa (care se pastreaza separat),  se indeparteaza frunzele de dafin si boabele de piper.

Se incinge 1 lingura de ulei intr-o tigaie si se calesc ceapa si usturoiul timp de 3-4 minute. Se adauga vinul, restul condimentelor si se fierbe, descoperit, pana cand ceapa este patrunsa si alcoolul s-a evaporat. Se adauga bulionul de rosii dizolvat in putina apa in care a fiert lintea. Se continua fierberea inca 3-4 minute. Se potriveste de sare si piper.

Se pun toate ingredientele intr-un robot de bucatarie/blender si se mixeaza pana cand se obtine o pasta fina. Daca este nevoie se mai adauga putina apa in care a fiert lintea pana cand se obtine consistenta unui pateu.

Lentil stew

For 4 servings:

250 g green lentils
1 bell pepper, finely chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
2 bay leaves
1 teaspoon thyme
3-4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Wash the lentils well and cook them in water with the bay leaves.  Drain but  keep the water separate.

Heat the oil in a saucepan and add the onion. Stir fry for  2-3 minutes then add the bell pepper and continue frying for a few minutes more.

Add some water from the cooked lentils, the thyme and garlic. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are soft.

Add the tomato paste and, if needed, more water (from the cooked lentils) and the lentils.

Cook for another few minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Serve  with pickles or as garnish.

Iahnie de linte

Pentru 4 portii:

250 g linte verde
1 ardei gras, taiat marunt
1 ceapa, taiata fin
4 catei de usturoi, taiati marunt
2 frunze dafin
1 lingurita cimbru
3-4 linguri bulion de rosii
1 lingura ulei
sare si piper, dupa gust

Lintea se spală bine și se fierbe în apă împreună cu frunzele de dafin.  Dupa ce a fiert se strecoara dar apa in care a fiert se pastreaza separat.

Se incinge uleiul intr-o cratita si se adauga ceapa. Se caleste 2-3 minute apoi se adauga ardeiul gras si se continua calirea pentru inca cateva minute.

Se adauga putina apa in care a fiert lintea, cimbrul si usturoiul. Se acopera si se lasa sa fiarba, amestecand din cand in cand,  pana cand legumele sunt patrunse.

Se adauga bulionul de rosii si, daca este nevoie,  inca putina apa in care a fiert lintea si lintea fiarta.

Se lasa sa dea cateva clocote. Se potriveste de sare si piper.

Se poate servi simpla cu muraturi sau ca si garnitura.

Sauerkraut german style

For 4 servings:

1 kg sauerkraut, finely cut
100 g smoked vegan bacon (or smoked tofu), finely cut
2 bay leaves
10-15  peppercorns
5 allspice berries (juniper corns)
2-3 tablespoons olive oil

Rinse the cabbage  with cold water to remove the excess of salt.

Put the sauerkraut  in a saucepan, add the bay leaves, peppercorns, juniper corns and  the vegan smoked bacon (or the smoked tofu). Add water enough to cover.

Cover and simmer on medium heat until the cabbage is done and the water has evaporated (if needed  add a little bit more water on the way).

Sauerkraut german style

At the end add the oil and mix well.

Serve as side dish with vegetables, soy, tofu, seitan (in the picture below it is served with German potato).

Sauerkraut german style

Varza murata calita in stil nemtesc

Pentru 4 portii:

1 kg varza murata, taiata fin
100 g costita afumata vegana (sau tofu afumat)
2 frunze dafin
10-15 boabe piper
5 boabe de ienibahar
2-3 linguri ulei de masline

Varza se clateste cu apa rece pentru a indeparta excesul de sare.

Se pune intr-o cratita, se adauga frunzele de dafin, boabele de piper si de ienibahar si bucatelele de sunca vegana (tofu afumat). Se adauga apa cat sa acopere.

Se acopera cratita cu un capac si se lasa la fiert, la foc potrivit, pana cand varza este patrunsa si apa s-a evaporat (daca este nevoie  se mai aduga cate putina apa pe parcurs).

Varza murata calita in stil nemtesc

La sfarsit se adauga uleiul si se amesteca bine.

Se serveste ca garnitura la diverse preparate din legume, soia, tofu, seitan (in poza de mai jos este servita impreuna cu cartofi nemtesti).

Varza murata calita in stil nemtesc

Vichyssoise soup

For 4-6 servings:

1 onion, finely chopped
2 large  leeks, sliced
3 medium potatoes, cubed
1 cup unsweetened soy milk
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

parsley or chives, for garnish

Heat the oil in a soup pan  and add the onion. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes then add the leeks. Cover  and simmer for a few minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the potatoes and 3 cups of water. Cover and simmer.

When the vegetables are cooked add  the soy milk, salt and pepper. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes.

Blend/process  until you get a smooth cream.

Garnish the dish with finely chopped parsley or chives .

Serve cold or warm.

Supa vichyssoise

Pentru 4-6 portii:

1 ceapa, taiata marunt
2 fire mari de praz, taiat rondele
3 cartofi medii, taiati bucati
1 cana lapte de soia neindulcit
1 lingura ulei de masline
sare si piper, dupa gust

patrunjel sau ceapa verde, pentru ornat

Se incinge uleiul intr-o oala si se adauga ceapa. Se acleste 2-3 minute apoi se adauga prazul. Se acopera cu un capac si se lasa la inabusit cateva minute, amestecand din cand in cand.

Se adauga cartofii si 3 cani de apa. Se acopera si se lasa la fiert.

Cand legumele au fert se adauga laptele de soia, sare si piperul. Se mai dau cateva clocote.

Se mixeaza totul cu ajutorul unui blender/mixer pana cand se obtine o crema fina.

Se orneaza in farfurie cu patrunjel/ceapa verde taiat fin.

Se poate servi rece sau calda.

Sauteed peas

For 4-6 servings:

1 kg frozen peas
2 onions, finely chopped
2 tablespoons oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Heat the  oil in a saucepan and add the onions. Stir fry for about 2-3 minutes than add the peas.

Cover and simmer. Stir often. If needed, add a tablespoon of water.

When the onions and peas are cooked add salt and pepper.

Variation: you can add fresh dill, finely chopped and / or some lemon juice.

Mazare sote

Pentru 4-6 portii:

1 kg mazare congelata
2 cepe, taiate marunt
2 linguri ulei
sare si piper, dupa gust

Se incinge uleiul intr-o cratita s se adauga ceapa. Se caleste pret de 2-3 minute si se adauga mazarea.

Se acopera cu un capac si se amesteca din cand in cand. Daca este nevoie se adauga o lingura de apa.

Cand ceapa si mazarea sunt patrunse se potriveste de sare si piper.

Variatie: se poate adauga marar proaspat, taiat fin si/sau putina zeama de lamaie.

Quick baked eggplant

For 3-4 servings:

3 large eggplants
1 head of garlic, finely chopped
1 can diced tomatoes (or 1/2 kg tomatoes, finely chopped)
2-3 tsp. oregano (dried or fresh)
2 tablespoons olive oil
salt and pepper, to taste

Wash the eggplants and slice them lengthwise, about 1 cm thick. Grill each slice about 2-3 minutes per side.

Grease an oven tray with a little olive oil and place a layer of eggplant, add on top some garlic, oregano, salt, pepper and tomatoes. Repeat the process until you get 3-4 layers.

Bake in the oven, on medium heat, about 1/2 hour.

Variation: the eggplants can be used without being  grilled, but you have to bake them longer in the oven.

Pentru 3-4 persoane:

3 vinete mari
1 capatana de usturoi, taiat fin
o conserva de rosii in sos (sau 1/2 kg de rosii, taiate marunt)
2-3 lingurite oregano (uscat sau proaspat)
2 linguri ulei de masline
sare si piper, dupa gust 

Vinetele se spala si se taie felii pe lung, cca 1 cm grosime. Se frig pe gratar aproximativ 2-3 minute pe fiecare parte.

Se unge o tava de cuptor cu putin ulei de masline si se aseaza un strat de vinete presarate cu usturoi, oregano, sare, piper, rosii. Se obtin cam 3-4 straturi in fuctie de dimensiunea tavii.

Se dau la cuptor, la foc potrivit, cca 1/2 ora.

Variatie: vinetele se pot pune in tava fara a mai fi coapte pe gratar dar vor trebui tinute mai mult timp in cuptor.

Cauliflower in tomato sauce

For 3-4 servings:

1 cauliflower
1 onion, finely chopped
1/2 kg tomatoes,  chopped or 1 can of chopped tomatoes or 2-3 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon oil
parsley, finely chopped
salt and pepper, to taste

Wash the cauliflower and cut it into florets.

Heat the oil in a large pan and add the onion. Fry for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add the cauliflower florets and a cup of water. Cover and simmer, on medium heat, for about 7-10 minutes.

Add the tomatoes (or the canned tomatoes or the tomato paste dissolved in a cup of water). Continue cooking on medium heat until cauliflower is done. Stir occasionally, taking care not to crush the cauliflower.

Finally add salt and pepper and garnish with parsley.

Variation: Together with the cauliflower you can add 3-4 potatoes, cut into pieces

Mancare de conopida

Pentru 3-4 portii:

1 conopida
1 ceapa, taiata fin
1/2 kg de rosii, taiate marunt sau 1 conserva de rosii taiate sau 2-3 linguri bulion de rosii
1 lingura ulei
patrunjel, taiat fin
sare si piper, dupa gust

Conopida se spala si se taie in buchetele.

Se incinge uleiul intr-o cratita si se adauga ceapa. Se celeste 3-4 minute, amestecand din cand in cand.

Se adauga buchetelele de conopida si o cana cu apa. Se lasa la fiert la foc mediu, timp de 7-10 minute.

Se adauga rosiile (sau conserva de rosii sau bulionul de rosii dizolvat intr-o cana cu apa). Se continua fierberea ,la foc mediu, pana cand conopida este patrunsa. Se amesteca din cand in cand, cu grija, sa nu zdrobim bucatile de conopida.

La final se potriveste de sare si piper si se orneaza cu patrunjel.

Variatie: O data cu conopida se pot adauga si 3-4 cartofi, taiati bucatele.

Oyster mushroom soup

For 6 servings:

For the vegetable stock:

1 carrot
1 onion, cut into large pieces
1 parsnip
1/2 celeriac or 2 stalks celery, cut
2 potatoes, cut in half
2-3 bay leaves
10 peppercorns

Put all ingredients in a soup pot  with  2 liters  water. When the vegetables are done remove them from the water (they can be served as salad, with garlic sauce or horseradish sauce).

Leave the pot on the stove on low heat.

Oyster mushroom soup

300 g oyster mushrooms, sliced ​​approx. 0.5 cm thick
1 carrot, grated
1 yellow bell pepper, finely sliced
250 ml vegan sour cream (or 1 cup soy milk mixed with 2 tablespoons flour)
2 tablespoons olive oil
3-5 cloves garlic, mashed – to taste
3-5 tablespoons vinegar, to taste

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pan and add the carrots and bell pepper. Fry, stirring occasionally, until tender.

Oyster mushroom soup

Blend until smooth.

Oyster mushroom soup

Heat  1 tablespoon of oil in a pan and add the mushrooms. Fry, stirring occasionally. Add the moisture from the mushrooms to the  vegetable stock. Continue frying until tender, taking care not to brown the mushrooms.

Oyster mushroom soup

Add the carrot/bell pepper paste and the mushrooms to the vegetable stock. Cook for a few minutes.

Add the vegan sour cream and  salt (to taste).

Add the garlic and vinegar to taste and continue cooking for a few minutes longer.

Serve with fresh chili.

Ciorba vegana de burta

Pentru 6 portii:

Pentru zeama de legume:

zarzavat pentru ciorbe/supe:

1 morcov
1 ceapa, taiata in bucati mari
1 pastarnac
1/2 telina sau 2 tije de telina, taiate felii/bucati
2 cartofi, taiati in jumatate
2-3 frunze de dafin
10 boabe de piper

Intr-o oala se pun toate ingredientele la fiert in 2 l apa. Cand legumele au fiert se scot din apa (se pot servi cu salate, cu mujdei de usturoi sau sos de hrean). Se lasa oala pe aragaz, la foc mic.

Ciorba vegana de burta

300 g ciuperci pleurotus, taiate feliute de aprox. 0.5 cm grosime
1 morcov, dat prin razatoarea mare
1 ardei gras galben, taiat feliute
250 ml smantana vegana (sau 1 cana lapte de soia in care s-au adaugat 2 linguri de faina)
2 linguri ulei de masline
3-5 catei de usturoi, pisati – dupa gust
3-5 linguri otet, dupa gust

Se incinge 1 lingura de ulei intr-o tigaie si se adauga morcovul si ardeiul gras. Se calesc, amestecand din cand in cand, pana cand se inmoaie.

Ciorba vegana de burta

Se mixeaza cu ajutorul unui blender/robot de bucatarie pana cand se obtine o pasta foarte fina.

Ciorba vegana de burta

Intr-o tigaie se incinge 1 lingura de ulei si se adauga ciupercile. Se calesc amestecand din cand in cand. Zeama pe care si-o lasa se adauga peste zeama de zarzavat. Se calesc pana cand se inmoaie avand grija sa nu le rumenim.

Ciorba vegana de burta

Se adauga pasta de morcovi/ardei gras si ciupercile in zeama de zarzavat. Se fierbe pret de cateva minute.

Se adauga smantana vegana si se potriveste de sare.

Se adauga usturoi si otet dupa gust si se continua fierberea pentru cateva minute.

Se serveste cu ardei iute.

Red lentil creamy soup

For 6 servings:

1 cup red lentils
1 large onion
1 carrot
1/2 celeriac or 2 stalks celery
2 potatoes
1 bell pepper
2 tomatoes
2 bay leaves
4-5 cloves of garlic
fresh chili / chili flakes (optional)
salt and pepper, to taste

Wash the lentils thoroughly .

Wash the vegetables and cut into medium pieces.

Put everything  in a soup pan, add 4 cups of water,  cover and simmer on medium heat.

Red lentil creamy soup

When the vegetables and lentils are cooked remove the bay leaves then blend until smooth.

Add salt and pepper to taste.

Variation: you can add in the plate some olive oil and / or fresh parsley, finely chopped.

Supa crema de linte rosie

Pentru 6 portii:

1 cana linte rosie
1 ceapa mare
1 morcov
1/2 telina sau 2 tije de telina
2 cartofi
1 ardei gras
2 rosii
2 frunze dafin
4-5 catei de usturoi
ardei iute/ fulgi de ardei iute (optional)
sare si piper, dupa gust

Lintea se spala foarte bine.

Legumele se spala si se taie in bucati potrivite.

Se pune totul la fiert in 4 cani de apa, la foc potrivit.

Supa crema de linte rosie

Cand legumele si lintea au fiert se indeparteaza frunzele de dafin apoi se mixeaza cu ajutorul unui blender.

Se potriveste de sare si piper.

Variatie: in farfurie se poate orna cu ulei de masline si/sau patrunjel proaspat, taiat fin.