The constant echo of a posh French dialogue is always chiming in the back of my mind. It’s daring me to get the infamous one-way ticket to a cottage in the village, while I pace the flickering cobblestone in search of a hideaway. Preferably one serving a steamy bisque and toasted baguette on a winter evening. You see, I get these ideas in my mind of how the experience would be in a place. It’s that I just see it all in my head. Mostly they are simple things, like a steamy bisque off a quiet street surrounded by French phrases lulling me. It’s just the simple rituals that other cultures experience, I need to be a part of them. No bells or whistles, just find me that restaurant and I can eat in delight.
Substitutions
This recipe started off on the backbone of a traditional French Lobster Bisque. Often times I miss some of my favorite dishes from around the world. The most logical thing for me to do is try to make a vegan version of them that takes me back.
- Baby King Oyster Mushrooms- This is the closest and most accessible mushroom I have found to replace the seafood feeling in a lobster bisque. These mushrooms are thick, they glisten, and have distinctive seafood scent. You can find these at your local asian super markets. If you live in the Chicagoland area, that would be Joong Boo Market.
- Heavy Cream- Long gone are the days of vegans always having to use coconut milk in replace of heavy cream. Lots of grocery stores are carrying a vegan heavy cream, including Trader Joes! In a pinch, you can still use coconut cream, but remember that it have a strong presence and it will change the soup a bit with its coconut flavors.
- Worcestershire Sauce- A traditional Worcestershire sauce contains anchovies. Visit your local big chain grocery store for a vegan version. If you live in the Chicagoland area that would be Marianos.
French Recipes to Inspire
Looking for other french classics turned vegan? I will link my favorites down below. It’s not secret that French culture is one of my favorites to dive into. If you’re looking for a way to turn a classic French dish vegan, send me a message and lets make it happen!
- French Mushroom Bourguignon – Vegan version of Julia Childs famous Beef Bourguignon. This mushroom based version gives off a hearty, elegant French atmosphere. Trickled with ingredients like steak seasoning, fresh thyme, and red wine… we will have your kitchen smelling like a Burgundy vineyard.
- Vegan French Beet Tartare – Roasted minced beets marinated in worcestershire sauce, dijon, and a blend of steak seasoning. Served with shallot, parsley, and capers along side a freshly sliced baguette and creamy horseradish sauce.
“This is my invariable advice to people: Learn how to cook—try new recipes, learn from your mistakes, be fearless and above all have fun.”
Julia Child
