Tatar # Vegan MoFo

What is Tatar? You will not like the answer, and thank you for asking. Tatar is a raw minced meat dish, served with a raw egg yolk on top. It is a big part of Polish cuisine, and I think it is about time for the vegan version to kick some posteriors. Don't you think?

I have eaten Tatar once as kid, and yet its distinct flavor remained with me to this day. The raw onion and tomato paste enhance the raw notes of this dish.

Lastly, this dish is so simple and pantry friendly that I just can't contain myself. If you have last minute impromptu guests coming, you can make this as an appetizer. Be sure to drizzle the dish with a tad of olive oil, to keep it moist. Cheers!

Vegan Tatar

Ingredients
1 cup cooked red lentils
5 tablespoons tomato paste
1-2 teaspoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
Freshly ground black pepper to taste
Freshly ground sea salt to taste
1 small onion, finely chopped
1-2 teaspoons vegan worcestershire sauce (optional)

Great on crackers, pumpernickel bread and so forth.  

Directions
Cook the red lentils in 2.5 cups of vegetable broth until creamy. Stir often. Place the cooked red lentils in a bowl (there should be no liquid remaining) and allow ample time to completely cool off.

Mash with a fork to a fine paste. Add tomato paste, olive oil, paprika, pepper, salt, onion and vegan worcestershire sauce, if using. Mix well. Serve with dill pickles, drizzled with additional oil.

To make a nice presentation, coat a small tea cup with oil or non-stick cooking spray, add enough Tatar  to fill the cup, and gently flip it over on the presentation plate. Slice some pickles, or pickled vegetables of choice and EAT!