This is the best Way to Cook Cabbage this Spring! Crispy Upside-Down Vegan Pie

This is the best Way to Cook Cabbage this Spring! Crispy Upside-Down Vegan Pie is a medium Albanian recipe that serves 4. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by We Cook Vegan on YouTube.

Prep: 25 min | Cook: 40 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min

Cost: $20.44 total, $5.11 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Lotus Root (peeled and sliced 1 cm (3/8 in) thick)
  • 3/4 cup Cashews (raw, unsalted (about 100 g))
  • 3/4 cup Green Peas (fresh or frozen, shelled (about 120 g))
  • 1 clove Garlic (minced)
  • 1 cup Water (for boiling and blending)
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil (extra‑virgin)
  • 1 tbsp Balsamic Vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Pomegranate Syrup (or maple/agave syrup)
  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning
  • ½ tsp Salt
  • 1 tsp White Miso Paste
  • ½ tbsp Nutritional Yeast
  • 1 sheet Puff Pastry Sheet (store‑bought, thawed (≈250 g))

Instructions

  1. Slice the lotus root

    Peel the lotus root and cut it into 1 cm (3/8 in) thick rounds using a sharp chef's knife on a cutting board.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Boil the filling ingredients

    In a saucepan combine the cashews, green peas, minced garlic and enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 3–5 minutes until the peas are tender.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 100°C

  3. Drain and set aside

    Drain the mixture in a fine‑mesh sieve, reserving a splash of cooking water for later blending.

    Time: PT2M

  4. Blend the filling

    Place the drained cashews and peas in a blender. Add miso paste, nutritional yeast, the reserved hot water, and blend until a smooth, creamy mass forms. If too thick, add a little more water, a tablespoon at a time.

    Time: PT5M

  5. Prepare the baking sheet

    Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and pomegranate syrup over the parchment. Sprinkle Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Arrange lotus root slices

    Lay the lotus root rounds in a single layer on the prepared parchment, leaving a small gap between each slice.

    Time: PT3M

  7. Spread the pea‑cashew mixture

    Using a spatula, spoon the blended mixture over each lotus root slice, covering them completely.

    Time: PT3M

  8. Prepare the puff pastry

    On a lightly floured surface roll out the puff pastry sheet to about 3 mm thickness. Using a round cutter (≈10 cm diameter) cut a circle. Prick the surface all over with a fork to allow steam to escape.

    Time: PT5M

  9. Encase the lotus root

    Place the pastry circle over the arranged lotus root slices. Gently fold the edges of the pastry down over the sides, sealing the perimeter. Press lightly to adhere.

    Time: PT5M

  10. Bake

    Transfer the sheet to a pre‑heated oven and bake at 190°C (370°F) for 40 minutes, or until the pastry is golden brown and the lotus root edges are crisp.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: 190°C

  11. Cool and serve

    Remove from the oven and let the byrek rest on the sheet for 5–10 minutes. Then carefully invert onto a serving plate so the caramelized lotus root side is on top.

    Time: PT10M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
460
Protein
8 g
Carbohydrates
45 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
6 g

Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Dairy‑Free, Egg‑Free

Allergens: Tree nuts (cashews), Gluten (regular puff pastry)

Last updated: March 13, 2026

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This is the best Way to Cook Cabbage this Spring! Crispy Upside-Down Vegan Pie

Recipe by We Cook Vegan

A crispy, caramelized vegan byrek featuring thinly sliced lotus root layered with a creamy miso‑pea‑cashew filling and wrapped in flaky puff pastry. Perfect for a hearty dinner or impressive appetizer.

MediumAlbanianServes 4

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
33m
Prep
52m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
1h 35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$20.44
Total cost
$5.11
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Boiling the cashews and peas for the correct time (3–5 min).
  • Blending to a smooth, creamy consistency without excess water.
  • Sealing the pastry edges tightly to prevent leakage.
  • Baking until the pastry is golden and the lotus root is caramelized.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle the hot boiling water with care to avoid burns.
  • Use oven mitts when removing the hot baking sheet.
  • Sharp knife required for slicing lotus root; cut away from your body.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of lotus root byrek in Albanian cuisine?

A

Lotus root is not traditional to Albania, but the concept of "byrek"—a layered pastry filled with vegetables or meat—is a staple of Albanian and broader Balkan cooking. This vegan adaptation blends the classic byrek technique with Asian lotus root, reflecting modern, plant‑based twists on heritage dishes.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of byrek in Albanian cuisine?

A

Traditional Albanian byrek varies by region: in the north it often contains spinach and feta, while in the south it may be filled with pumpkin, leeks, or meat. The pastry can be phyllo or a thicker dough, and spices differ from simple salt to aromatic herbs like oregano and mint.

cultural
Q

How is a classic Albanian byrek traditionally served?

A

A classic byrek is usually served warm, cut into squares or triangles, and enjoyed as a main dish, snack, or part of a mezze spread. It is often accompanied by a side of yogurt, ajvar (red pepper spread), or a fresh salad.

cultural
Q

During which celebrations or occasions is byrek commonly prepared in Albanian culture?

A

Byrek is a go‑to dish for family gatherings, holidays such as Bajram (Eid), and everyday meals. It is also popular at weddings and festive brunches because it can be made in large trays and served to many guests.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are used in traditional Albanian byrek versus this vegan lotus root version?

A

Traditional byrek uses phyllo dough, feta cheese, meat, or seasonal vegetables, and often includes butter or oil. This vegan lotus root version swaps the meat/cheese for a miso‑pea‑cashew filling, uses lotus root for texture, and employs puff pastry (or gluten‑free puff pastry) instead of phyllo.

cultural
Q

What other Albanian dishes pair well with this vegan caramelized lotus root byrek?

A

Serve the byrek alongside a simple cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon, a bowl of lentil soup (supë me thjerrë), or a side of ajvar for a flavorful, balanced meal.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making caramelized lotus root byrek?

A

Common errors include over‑cooking the lotus root (it becomes mushy), under‑blending the filling (resulting in lumps), and not sealing the pastry edges tightly, which leads to leaking filling during baking.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use miso paste instead of soy sauce in the filling?

A

Miso paste adds depth, umami, and a creamy texture without adding extra liquid, whereas soy sauce is thinner and would make the filling too runny. The paste also contributes a subtle fermented flavor that complements the sweet caramelization.

technical
Q

Can I make the lotus root byrek ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes. Assemble the byrek up to the point of baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours. Bake when ready, then let it cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 180°C oven to restore crispness.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel We Cook Vegan specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel We Cook Vegan focuses on plant‑based recipes that are approachable, health‑conscious, and often incorporate global flavors. The host emphasizes whole‑food ingredients, easy techniques, and adaptations of classic dishes into vegan versions.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel We Cook Vegan's approach to Albanian-inspired vegan cooking differ from other vegan channels?

A

We Cook Vegan blends traditional Balkan dishes like byrek with Asian ingredients such as lotus root and miso, creating unique cross‑cultural twists. Unlike many vegan channels that stick to Western comfort foods, this channel explores lesser‑known regional cuisines and offers detailed step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.

channel

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