Try this vegan Hungarian turos csusza recipe
What's the story
The traditional Hungarian dish turos csusza is a comfort food classic, combining pasta, curd cheese, and bacon. Our vegan version swaps out the dairy and meat for plant-based alternatives, but we've made sure to keep all the flavors you love from the original. This pasta holds a special place in Hungarian hearts, frequently appearing at family get-togethers and meals. Ready, set, cook!
Ingredients list
Gather the following ingredients
To prepare this vegan delight, you will need 250 grams of eggless ribbon pasta, 200 grams of silken tofu, one large onion (finely chopped), two tablespoons of nutritional yeast, 100 grams of smoked tempeh, three tablespoons of olive oil, and salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can use fresh parsley for garnish (optional).
Step 1
Prepare the pasta
Start by boiling the pasta as per the package instructions until al dente. Take care not to overcook the pasta; it should still have a bit of bite to it for texture. Once done, drain the pasta but make sure to save around a cup of the pasta water. You'll need it later to loosen up the sauce a bit.
Step 2
Create the cheese mixture
Add silken tofu, nutritional yeast, and a pinch of salt to a blender or food processor. Blend until you achieve a smooth consistency. This blend will serve as a vegan substitute, replicating the creaminess and tangy flavor of the conventional curd cheese utilized in turos csusza. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 3
Cook tempeh "bacon"
Cut the smoked tempeh into thin strips or small cubes. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat, and fry the tempeh until it's crispy on all sides. Halfway through, throw in the chopped onion, letting it sizzle and soften until it's see-through and a little sweet and brown around the edges. This step gives you that smoky, crispy bacon-like experience.
Step 4
Combine all elements
Stir cooked pasta and tofu cheese sauce together gently in a large pan or skillet over low heat until well combined. If needed, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency - you want it creamy but not overly thick. Finally, incorporate crispy tempeh and onions into the mix well. Serve immediately, topped with a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper and chopped parsley if you like.