Discover Sugar Loaf: Two Vegan Recipes
Sugar loaf (a type of chicory, also known as suikerbrood or pain de sucre) is a wonderfully underrated vegetable. Mild, slightly bitter, and versatile, it deserves a place in more kitchens. Here are two fully vegan ways to enjoy it. And as you all know it comes from our community farm!
Sugar Loaf Soup
A warming, creamy soup with a gentle kick from red pepper.
Ingredients
• 1 sugar loaf, washed and sliced into strips
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
• 3–5 small potatoes, chopped
• Vegetable stock
• Salt, pepper, and spices to taste
• Optional: chickpeas or beans, for extra bite
• Optional: 1 large cup of lentils, for a thicker soup
Method
1. Sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and red pepper in a large pot for a few minutes until fragrant.
2. Add the potatoes and stir for another few minutes.
3. Add the sugar loaf strips and stir briefly to combine.
4. Pour in enough vegetable stock to cover, and season with spices to taste.
5. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 30–40 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
6. Blend until smooth.
7. Stir in chickpeas or beans for texture, if desired. For a thicker soup, add the lentils at the start of cooking.
Sugar Loaf Mash
A comforting mash with a built-in gravy — nothing goes to waste.
Ingredients (serves 4)
• 1 sugar loaf, washed and sliced into strips
• Potatoes (enough for 4 people), peeled and cut into pieces
• 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped (leave out for a milder version)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, chopped
• Vegetable stock
• Vegan butter
• Salt, pepper, and spices to taste
Method
1. Place the potatoes, garlic, and red pepper in a large pot.
2. Add vegetable stock until the vegetables are just covered.
3. Lay the sugar loaf strips on top and cook until the potatoes are soft.
4. Drain the stock into a separate container, keeping it aside.
5. Mash the potato mixture with vegan butter and season to taste. If the mash is too dry, add a splash of the reserved stock.
6. Use the remaining stock to make a simple gravy to serve alongside.
Enjoy your sugar loaf!
