Vegan Goulash Soup

I hear more often than not how much people miss comfort food when transitioning to a vegan diet. Especially during this season when the days are getting colder and shorter. For that reason, I like coming up with vegan versions of comforting dishes like this vegan goulash soup. 

First, let me tell you what goulash is. Goulash is the ultimate comfort food in Central Europe. It's basically a stew seasoned with paprika and some other spices. This dish is incredibly affordable and easy to make, so it has gained a lot of popularity all over Europe and now has traveled all over the world. 

There are a few different variations depending on the region or country you are in. You can find some made with pasta, some people add sauerkraut, others add kidney beans or vermicelli. But what you will find in most if not all, is some sort of meat. 

I've been vegan for quite a few years and vegetarian from a young age so I could not tell what an original goulash recipe tastes like. When I was younger I would just avoid things instead of coming up with alternatives. That can put a lot of pressure on making a change since you feel you are constantly missing out on things.

For this vegan goulash, since I can't mimic the exact flavour of meat I took all the elements of the original recipe and came up with my own version. So it might be different but it sure tastes great. 

Since meat is what the stew is made out of we are using pre-marinated mock meat to make our vegan goulash. It will add a ton of flavour to the dish and it will bring us closer to the original recipe. So make sure you are not leaving it out. 

I don't really use mock meat that much. It is not something I crave or that I think is absolutely necessary. I began using it after visiting Thailand where you can find a lot of restaurants that are run by Buddhist temples. Mock meats are widely used in their cuisine which is very simple and healthy. Exactly what we are after. 

The mock meat used in temple kitchens is usually made with wheat gluten, also known as seitan. But they also use different types of mushrooms to resemble the texture of meat. And the flavour is going to depend on what seasonings they add to it 

In western countries is now easier to find mock meat at supermarkets. I know there are a lot of German brands that offer a great variety of options. And it's definitely available in countries like the UK and the US. 

After you get your seitan from the store the rest is child's play. You just have to stir fry your veggies, add the rest of the ingredients, let it simmer and allow the magic to happen. You will soon be enjoying a delicious bowl of vegan goulash that will fill both, your belly and your soul. For recipes using mock meat also try out our zuppa toscana recipe.