Vegetarian Forshmak

 

Hello, dear readers! Today, I’m excited to share with you a delightful twist on a classic dish: Vegetarian Forshmak. Traditionally, forshmak is a cherished appetiser in Jewish cuisine, made with finely chopped herring. However, for those seeking a plant-based alternative or simply looking to explore new flavours, this vegetable-based version offers a refreshing and delicious experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 small head of young cabbage
• 2 medium potatoes
• 1 onion
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 100g sour cream
• 2 eggs
• 2 slices of white bread
• 50ml milk
• 50g grated cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Vegetables: Finely shred the cabbage.
Peel and grate the potatoes.
Finely chop the onion.
Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
Incorporate the shredded cabbage and grated potatoes into the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally.

Prepare the Bread: Soak the slices of white bread in milk until softened.
Gently squeeze out any excess liquid from the bread.
Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the sautéed vegetables, soaked bread, sour cream, and grated cheese.
Add the eggs, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined.

Bake the Forshmak: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Grease a baking dish with a bit of vegetable oil or butter.
Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
Sprinkle additional grated cheese on top for a golden crust.
Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

Serve: Allow the vegetarian forshmak to cool slightly before serving.
Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or dill, if desired.
This dish pairs wonderfully with rye bread or crispy toast.

This vegetarian forshmak offers a delightful combination of textures and flavours, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply looking for a new dish to enjoy at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out in the comments below!

Happy cooking!