Banush Vegan Recipe: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy Guide

Banush is a beloved traditional dish from the Carpathian Mountains, known for its creamy texture and comforting flavors. Traditionally made with cornmeal and rich dairy ingredients, this hearty meal is a staple in Ukrainian and Romanian cuisines.

Today, we’re putting a delicious vegan twist on this classic, making it accessible to everyone while still keeping its soul-warming essence intact. Whether you’re vegan, lactose intolerant, or simply looking to try something new and wholesome, this Banush vegan recipe is a perfect choice.

This plant-based version offers all the creamy, savory goodness of the original, using simple vegan substitutes like coconut milk and nutritional yeast to replicate the cheesy flavor without any dairy.

It’s perfect for a cozy breakfast, lunch, or dinner and pairs beautifully with a range of toppings such as mushrooms, herbs, or vegan bacon bits. Dive into this traditional taste with a compassionate, modern update!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Banush Vegan Recipe brings together the best of tradition and plant-based innovation. Here are some reasons why this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen:

• Comforting and creamy: The smooth texture of the cornmeal porridge combined with coconut milk creates a luscious base that’s both satisfying and gentle on the stomach.
• Easy to make: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly yet impressive enough to serve to guests.
• Nutritious: Packed with fiber from cornmeal and protein from added toppings, it’s a well-rounded meal.
• Customizable: You can top it with your favorite vegan cheeses, mushrooms, or herbs to suit your taste.
• Allergy-friendly: This recipe is free from dairy, eggs, and gluten if you use gluten-free cornmeal, making it accessible for many dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fine cornmeal (preferably yellow or white)
• 3 cups canned coconut milk (full fat for creaminess)
• 1 cup water
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast (for cheesy flavor)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or vegan butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: sautéed mushrooms, fresh dill, vegan bacon bits, toasted pumpkin seeds

Equipment

• Medium saucepan
• Whisk or wooden spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Serving bowls
• Knife and cutting board (for toppings)

Instructions

1. Combine liquids: In a medium saucepan, mix the coconut milk and water. Heat over medium until just about to simmer.
2. Add cornmeal gradually: Slowly whisk in the cornmeal to the hot liquid. Stir continuously to avoid lumps forming.
3. Cook the porridge: Reduce heat to low and cook gently for about 15-20 minutes. Stir frequently until the mixture thickens to a creamy consistency.
4. Season the banush: Add the nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all flavors.
5. Add fat for richness: Stir in the olive oil or vegan butter to give the dish a smooth, velvety texture.
6. Prepare toppings: While the banush cooks, sauté mushrooms or prepare your preferred toppings.
7. Serve: Spoon the warm banush into bowls and garnish generously with your chosen toppings.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra depth of flavor, try toasting your cornmeal lightly in the saucepan before adding the liquids. This adds a subtle nuttiness that enhances the dish beautifully.”

• Toasting the cornmeal: Heat the dry cornmeal in a dry pan over medium heat for 3-5 minutes until fragrant, then proceed with adding liquids.
• Alternative milks: You can substitute coconut milk with almond or oat milk, but the texture will be less creamy.
• Richness boost: Add a splash of vegan cream or cashew cream for a more indulgent version.
• Herbs: Fresh dill or chives work wonderfully to brighten up the dish.
• Smoky flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or vegan smoked sausage slices for a heartier meal.
• Nutty crunch: Top with toasted pumpkin or sunflower seeds for added texture.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan banush is best enjoyed fresh and warm. Serve it as a hearty breakfast with sautéed mushrooms and fresh herbs or as a comforting dinner alongside a crisp green salad.

For a more filling plate, add some roasted root vegetables or steamed greens on the side.

Looking for more vegan inspiration to complement your meal? Check out our Half Runner Beans Recipe for a protein-packed side or our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe for a sweet treat to finish.

Conclusion

Banush is a comforting dish that warms both the body and soul, and with this vegan recipe, you can enjoy all its traditional charm without any animal products. The creamy texture, subtle cheesy flavor from nutritional yeast, and customizable toppings make it a versatile meal perfect for any time of day.

Whether you’re new to Ukrainian cuisine or a longtime fan, this vegan banush recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to explore traditional flavors with a modern twist.

By using accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, you can bring a taste of the Carpathians into your home kitchen with ease. Don’t forget to experiment with various toppings and pair it with other delicious recipes like our Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for a complete, satisfying meal experience.

Happy cooking!

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Banush Vegan Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A traditional Ukrainian dish made vegan by replacing dairy with plant-based ingredients. Creamy cornmeal porridge topped with saut\u00e9ed mushrooms and vegan sour cream.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT25M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 cup cornmeal”, “4 cups water”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “1 cup sliced mushrooms”, “1 small onion, finely chopped”, “1/2 cup vegan sour cream”, “2 tablespoons nutritional yeast”, “1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped”, “Salt and pepper to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Bring water and salt to a boil in a pot.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Slowly whisk in cornmeal, stirring continuously.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook on low heat for 15 minutes until thickened.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a pan, heat olive oil and saut\u00e9 onions until translucent.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add mushrooms and cook until browned.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir nutritional yeast and dill into the cornmeal porridge.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve porridge topped with saut\u00e9ed mushrooms and a dollop of vegan sour cream.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt and pepper to taste.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “6 g”, “fatContent”: “8 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “38 g”}}