Discover the hearty flavors of Romanian cooking with vegetable dishes like zacusca, pickled cabbage and beans, or ready-made vegetable stews that simply need to be heated up. With our wide selection of Romanian food, spices, and beverages, you can immerse yourself in the authentic cuisine of the country and discover new favorite dishes.
Vegetables in Romanian Cuisine
Romanian cuisine is unique in Europe, as it combines Balkan traditions with Mediterranean and Central European cuisine. Russian influences are also evident, especially in the use of vegetables such as white cabbage, eggplant, and peppers. Vegetables in Romania are often pickled and frequently fermented. A vegetable dish like zacusca isn't necessarily a side dish. Instead, it's served on fresh bread and enjoyed as a snack or dinner.
Beans of all kinds are a different story. In Romania, they are often used in hearty stews, first soaked in a flavorful sauce. Many canned bean preparations can be heated directly and served as a side dish with meat or vegetables. Sauerkraut is also a staple in Romanian cuisine. Its long shelf life makes it perfect for long winters, and it's eaten with pork or in stews.
Preferably sour to fresh
Whether it's Salata de vinete, Ciorba, or Zacusca, sour dishes are extremely popular in Romania. Of course, fresh vegetables also have their place, for example, as a fresh salad during the short but intense summer weeks. However, strongly spiced sour dishes are far more common, both in restaurants and at home. Garlic, mushrooms, peppers, and onions, for instance, are cooked and pickled together with eggplant, tomatoes, and hot peppers, and later eaten cold.
Eggplant is the star of many vegetable dishes and is also traditionally preserved in Romanian sourness. Eggplant is also found in Romanian cuisine as a grilled vegetable, a purée, and a base for stuffed dishes. Especially in the region around Ardeal, also known as Transylvania, eggplant has been processed into a delicious cream for centuries, which is also available in jars from various producers.
Discover vegetable preparations at Lautarul
In our shop, you'll find vegetable preparations made in Romania that are rarely available in Germany. We import the finest dishes and spreads for you, either in jars or cans. Many of these vegetable preparations can be enjoyed cold as a side dish or spread. Bean preparations are often suitable as a base for stews and soups. We recommend tasting the food after opening the package and deciding for yourself whether you prefer to enjoy these tangy preparations hot or cold.
Discover the best of Romanian cuisine with our online shop for Romanian food and wines. In our entertainment categories, you'll also find a selection of the best Romanian films, musicians, and authors writing in Romanian. Bring a little piece of Romania into your home with Lautarul.
