Hi friends, I’m trying another product today that—so far as I know—is only sold in the Netherlands. Don’t click away if you’re not from here: there’s a simple, delicious recipe at the end that anyone can make.
Note: This product was sent to me for sampling, but that did not influence my honest opinion.
When I cook for my family I often use meat alternatives because everyone still wants a “meaty” element on their plate. Plenty of meat replacements are genuinely tasty, and while I aim to eat cleaner and limit processed foods, I enjoy treats in moderation. In my experience, many plant-based options are a healthier choice than conventional meat.
Vivera sent me a few of their products to try, and I was excited to turn them into family-friendly meals. I’ve used one of their products in another recipe before and enjoyed it as well.
The first item I tried was Vivera Spekcjes—mock bacon bits. I briefly considered making boerenkool (a Dutch dish of mashed potatoes and kale), but I was craving creamy pasta instead. This time I used regular pasta rather than gluten-free; sometimes it’s nice to indulge a little. I made a classic white sauce, cooked the “bacon bits” and the pasta, then combined everything in a large pan. The result was one of my favorite comfort dishes.
I served this to my mother and grandparents and they loved it. My mother, who enjoys bacon bits, gave this product high praise, and I enjoyed it as well. It’s a recipe I’ll make again soon.
Scroll down for the recipe if you’d like to make it yourself.
Ingredients:
- Vivera Spekcjes (optional, but recommended)
- Pasta of your choice
- 3 tbsp vegan butter or vegetable oil
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups plant-based milk (I used oat milk for its mild flavor; avoid vanilla-flavored varieties)
- A generous pinch of nutmeg
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
- Start by making the white sauce. Melt the vegan butter or warm the oil in a saucepan over low heat. Add the flour and stir until fully combined to form a roux—this is what will thicken the sauce.
- Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk and add the nutmeg, salt and pepper. Increase the heat to medium-low and stir frequently for about 8–10 minutes, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Keep whisking to avoid lumps.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions and prepare the Vivera Spekcjes as directed on the package (or crisp them in a skillet until browned). Once everything is ready, combine the pasta, sauce, and bacon bits in a large pan and mix well. Alternatively, pour the sauce over the pasta and top with the bacon bits.
I hope you enjoyed this post. If you make this dish, feel free to tag me in your photos on Instagram.
One love,
A.J.