Category: Portuguese Mains

My family (apart from my other half and child) is not vegan. But sometimes I'm surprised by things like this: my uncle Lito has two staple main dishes that he cooks often that are vegan! Last time we visit them in Geneva he cooked this for us and is delicious. His was extra special because… Continue reading Massa do tio Lito (uncle Lito’s pasta)

My mum used to make 'galinha guisada' (chicken stew) very often for Sunday lunch. Even though it meant some poor chick was sacrificed, thinking about it bring back good memories of back then, happy moments with both my sisters. This is a vegan version of it and is simple and tastes super nice. I don't… Continue reading guisado sem galinha (no chikn’ pasta stew)

Another typical Portuguese dish that I happily transformed in a delicious vegan main. Simple (once seitan is done/ purchased) and very few, simple ingredients. It goes well with pretty much everything: rice, chips, roasted potatoes and veggies, salad... I had rice and roasted beetroot with it, delicious! Time: 20 min Difficulty: 1 pan Serves 2… Continue reading ‘Seitaninhos de cebolada’ (seitan steaks with onion and tomatoes)

Forget about risotto! This rice dish is an explosion of flavours, colours, super nice and nutritious. If tempeh is not your favourite, you can cook without it and add more peppers or other veggies, like baby corn, asparagus, ... you name it. Inspired by the traditional 'arroz de tamboril', never been a huge fan in… Continue reading Arroz de tempeh(ril)

Another codfish adapted recipe. This is a very rich dish, full of flavours, I'd say ideal to make for a dinner party for your vegan friends, for example. It does require a few steps, so a little time consuming, but nothing out of the ordinary. Time: 1h Difficulty: 2 pans Type: main dish Serves: 3/4… Continue reading Tofu ‘Zé do Pipo’ style

Alentejo is a beautiful area in Portugal, south of Lisbon, I strongly recommend a visit, especially the coastal area. 'Carne de porco a alentejana' is a very typical dish not only there but all over the country, made with pork and clam... but not this vegan version! 100% plants and all the flavours! I used… Continue reading Tofu Alentejano

This title is far too long but is early in the morning and I can't think of any other name, but it is what it says in the tin, seitan min steaks with mushroom white sauce 🙂 My mum used to cook this but without cream, but typically in Portugal this dish requires the white… Continue reading Seitaninhos com cogumelos (Seitan mini steaks with white mushroom sauce)

Most omni tourists in Portugal will seek to try the traditional 'Francesinha'. Why is it called that? Well, apparently some Portuguese bloke came back from France in the early 50s and wanted to give 'croque monsieur' (a traditional cheese and ham french sandwich) a Portuguese flavour, so he added sausage, roast meat and in some… Continue reading PlantSinha (vegan Francesinha)

Empadão is basically a Portuguese version of a shepherd's pie. A layer of mash, a layer of a 'meaty' filling and a second layer of mash, oven et voila! I replaced the meat by lentils and veggies and some vegan sausages and I am very happy with this version. Will be making this a few… Continue reading Lentil Empadão

Is odd to veganise a dish that is heavily based on fish..but I see it as reinventing tradition, not recreating! 'Caldeirada' is quite easy to make, well, it takes a little bit of preparation but is really not hard at all. I'm definitely cooking this to my family and see their faces drop on how… Continue reading No fish stew (Caldeirada)