Oktoberfest is just around the corner - and this year we're going all out for plant-based flavours! Anja Corvin, an ecotrophologist at REWE, gives tips for delicious meat-free alternatives to classic Oktoberfest specialities.
Since its premiere in 1810, the Oktoberfest has attracted millions of people every year and is closely linked to traditional cuisine, as it originally began as a feast for the wedding of the Bavarian crown prince. But an Oktoberfest with meat-free versions of pork knuckle, roast chicken, Leberkäs and co - is that possible? Of course it is. Anja Corvin, an ecotrophologist and nutrition expert at REWE, explains how to prepare delicious plant-based alternatives.
Because Bavarian tradition and a plant-based diet are not a contradiction in terms - they go well together. No matter why you don't eat meat: the culinary highlights of Oktoberfest can also be enjoyed at home in a plant-based way - and it's not that difficult, Anja Corvin knows.
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The nutrition expert gives four tips for a meat-free Oktoberfest
1. Rediscover Wiesn classics
Hearty delicacies such as bratwurst and Leberkäse can also be enjoyed in plant-based form for the 2024 Oktoberfest season. REWE offers products such as the "REWE Beste Wahl Vegane Bratwurst". There are also inspirations from the REWE recipe world such as vegan cheese spaetzle or vegan potato salad - and sauerkraut is always vegan anyway. Delicious alternatives that are in no way inferior in flavour to the originals.
2. Side dishes
Very popular at the Oktoberfest: Obazda. Whether as a dip or side dish - Obazda is also easy to make yourself on a plant-based basis. It tastes delicious with plant-based cream cheese, spices and margarine. It goes well with vegan pretzels, radishes and radishes.
3. The snack
In its plant-based version, Obazda goes well with a snack plate: plant-based spreads, vegan cabanossi or various types of fried tofu are just as appetising. Vegan pretzels and spicy vegetables such as radishes, radishes and onion rings as well as something sour, namely pickled gherkins, round off the snack perfectly.
4. The sweet finish
The sweet temptations at Oktoberfest are also available in plant-based varieties: Vegan steamed dumplings and gingerbread hearts or roasted almonds provide the perfect finishing touch. Not to forget: the vegan Kaiserschmarrn. With soya drink and margarine, you can make it in no time at all.
An Oktoberfest with plant-based delicacies is also a great opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. If you can't make it to the Oktoberfest, simply organise your own party at home and invite guests in traditional costume. Plant-based alternatives to the culinary classics are served. With the variety of meat-free delicacies, everyone will find something to suit their taste, whether vegan or not. Those who take the individual eating habits of their guests into consideration are guaranteed to be rewarded with a good mood.
Even if it's "O zapft is" at home, a few words of "boarisch" can't do any harm for the real Oktoberfest fun within your own four walls. It is particularly stylish when the dishes and drinks are called by their Bavarian names, for example: Backhendl, Brezn and Bia. Here are a few Bavarian "must-haves":
"Bei uns sogt ma Grias God, wenn ma reikimt!" means: here you are greeted with Grüß Gott!
"Und wo san nacha Sie hea?" means: Where do you come from?
"Dess Bia is bacherlwarm." means: This beer is lukewarm.
"I wea ma a Bia nemma and a Boazion Schwainsbron with Gnedln." means: I'll have a light beer and a portion of roast pork with dumplings.
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That's not how we talk in Bavaria