From my kitchen to your plate.
Czechia – A Country with a Rich Soup Tradition
Czechia, also known as the Czech Republic, lies in the heart of Central Europe and is famous for its historic cities, rolling countryside and hearty culinary traditions. Soups, known as polévky, play an important role in Czech home cooking and are frequently served as the first course of a traditional meal. Potatoes, root vegetables, legumes, garlic and aromatic herbs are common ingredients, while marjoram, or majoránka, is one of the country's characteristic soup seasonings.
What Is Brokolicová Polévka s Bílými Fazolemi?
Brokolicová polévka means broccoli soup, while bílé fazole are white beans. This Via Veggie Vegan creation brings these ingredients together in a creamy, satisfying soup inspired by Czech home cooking. White beans provide natural creaminess, nutritional yeast adds savoury depth, and garlic croutons – česnekové krutony – deliver a wonderfully crispy contrast. Instead of using fresh bread, my version gives leftover homemade naan a delicious second life.
From my kitchen to your plate.
Austria – Alpine Landscapes and a Rich Culinary HeritageAustria is a landlocked country in Central Europe, famous for its spectacular Alpine landscapes, historic cities and diverse regional food traditions. Its cuisine reflects centuries of cultural exchange within the former Habsburg monarchy and neighbouring countries. Hearty dumplings, potato dishes, seasonal vegetables and traditional pastries play an important role in Austrian cooking. From Tyrolean mountain specialities to Viennese classics and the rustic cuisine of Upper Austria, the country's culinary heritage is wonderfully varied.
What Are Grammelknödel?Grammelknödel are traditional Austrian dumplings particularly associated with Upper Austria. The name combines Grammeln, meaning crispy pork cracklings, with Knödel, the German word for dumplings. Traditionally, a soft potato dough is filled with seasoned cracklings, onions and marjoram, then gently cooked and commonly served with sauerkraut. My Via Veggie Vegan interpretation replaces the traditional pork filling with savoury plant-based ham cubes and uses a completely vegan potato dough. Served with creamy sauerkraut and a refreshing cucumber-dill salad, this hearty Austrian classic becomes a delicious plant-based comfort meal.
