Vegan Mett (German Meat Spread)

Vegan Mett, aka traditional German raw minced meat – veganized.

This popular German food is one of those recipes that sounds strange until you try it. But trust me, it’s good. Vegan Mett (minced meat spread) is quick and easy to make, it’s totally customizable, and it’s an absolute crowd pleaser. It makes an awesome breakfast, snack or appetizer, made with only a handful of budget-friendly ingredients.

The secret ingredient to mimic minced meat in this bread spread here: rice waffles!

Rice waffles might not seem like an obvious base first, but they work incredibly well here. They are neutral in taste, easy to break down, and quick to absorb all the seasonings. The result is savory and satisfying and probably a little surprising. But good for sure!

This Vegan Mett (German Meat Spread) is:

• fully plant-based
• inspired by the German classic
• made from rice waffles
• quick to prepare
• budget-friendly
• no-cook
• savory and well-seasoned
• great for sandwiches or bread rolls
• nostalgic and familiar

What’s Mett?

Mett, also known as Hackepeter, is a popular German bread spread made out of raw minced pork meat, chopped onions, and spices. It’s served raw, usually on bread or dinner rolls, or shaped into a hedgehog. Basically it’s a chunky and savory bread spread that’s great as a breakfast, snack, or appetizer.

This vegan version is just like the original, but with plant-based ingredients. It’s hearty and savory, with a chunky and slightly chewy texture, that’s perfect to snack on.

How to make Vegan Mett?

It might sound weird first, but crumbled rice waffles make an amazing raw minced meat alternative here. When soaked and seasoned, the rice waffles take on a surprisingly convincing texture. They get soft, slightly grainy but spreadable, just like the original. Then the rest is just spices.

You start by crumbling a couple of rice cakes, then soak them with water or broth, tomato paste, liquid smoke, Marmite (optional but really good), some onion and garlic powder, and some salt and pepper. Then you add chopped onions, a little vegan butter, and anything else you fancy. That’s all.

You can serve it immediately, but I think it’s best if you let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours.

How to serve Vegan Mett?

Mett is basically served as a bread spread for breakfast, brunch or even for parties. You’ll find bread slices and German dinner rolls with a thick layer of mett, optionally topped with onion slices, pickles, chives, or radish slices.

Another popular way to serve Mett is the ‘Mettigel’, or ‘Mett Hedgehog‘. This can be an especially cute treat for kids for example.

Simply shape your Vegan Mett mix into a teardrop form, then use onion slivers or salt sticks as quills. Decorate the face with capers, olives, or black peppers.

Customize it the way you like it!

There are so many ways to adjust this recipe.

• Play around with the consistency! Use more water for softer meat pieces, or a little bit less, for harder, chewier meat pieces. Add more vegan butter (or coconut oil, or vegetable oil) for a creamier texture, or omit it completely for an oil-free version.
• Spice things up! Add more or less to the spices, or try extras like garlic, chili, caraway, vegan Worcestershire sauce, Maggi sauce, hot sauce, chopped herbs, or whatever else you like.
• Get creative with the way you serve it! Bread, crackers, and veggie crudités are all great options. Very non-traditional, but you can also stuff mini peppers, cucumber boats, or cherry tomatoes with Mett.

Looking for more German style recipes?

• Vegan Obazda (German Style Cheese Spread)
• Sauerkraut Pasta with Smoked Tofu
• Seedy Pretzel Bites with Mustard Dip
• Simple Vegan Lentil Stew
• Dark Beer Mushroom Sauce
• Sauerkraut Gnocchi
• Black Salsify with Capers and Chives
• Vegan Baked Cheesecake
• Almond and Cinnamon Cookies

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