Vegan Moules Frites? That’s How PETA Celebrates Belgian National Day
Wednesday, 21 July, marks Belgian National Day, and PETA has teamed up with top Flemish chef Nicolas Decloedt – of award-winning vegan restaurant humus x hortense in Brussels – to put a vegan spin on a classic Belgian dish, moules frites. You really can make anything vegan!
Vegan Moules Frites? Yes, Please!
Belgian National Day celebrants can swap the moules for mushrooms and leave bivalves in peace.
Decloedt’s recipe transforms mashed potatoes into an edible vegan shell, which is then stuffed with shiitake mushrooms that have been simmered in a stock made with kombu seaweed for an oceanic flavour. Serve with chunky chips, and bon appétit!
But Why?
In addition to sparing animals’ lives, choosing vegan seafood helps protect the ocean, as discussed in the new Netflix documentary Seaspiracy, which examines the global fishing industry and challenges the notion of “sustainable” fishing.
Mussel farms produce “marine litter”, which includes broken shells, rope, floats, and other debris that are often ingested by marine animals. When left in their ocean homes, mussels and other bivalves filter pollutants and other harmful chemicals out of the water, playing a vital role in the ecosystem.
See Food Differently
Innovative vegan cuisine is booming, and creative chefs like Decloedt are leading the way.
Try this vegan moules frites recipe, or simply head to your local supermarket for vegan seafood. You can find fish-free fingers, plant-based fishcakes, vegan prawns, and tuna-safe tuna – you name it, there’s a vegan version of it.
If you prefer to stick to the good old British favourite fish and chips, we’ve got you covered, too:
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