A new culinary favorite has emerged in Denmark, and it’s entirely plant-based and budget-friendly, winning the nation’s heart on a popular TV program aimed at family meals and sustainable eating.
Denmark’s New National Dish Revealed
A group of six friends from Funen, known collectively as the “Kosmos Friends,” has just won the popular Danish TV contest “Danmarks nye livret” (Denmark’s New Favorite Dish), broadcast on DR, Denmark’s national public-service broadcaster. Their winning entry? A fully plant-based dish consisting of roasted pointed cabbage with red pepper sauce, oven-roasted potatoes, and a fennel-pear salad with a white wine vinaigrette.
The competition aimed to find a new national go-to meal that is easy, affordable, and healthy, with a focus on sustainable food choices. Nearly 500,000 viewers tuned into the final episodes of the show, making it one of Denmark’s most-watched lifestyle programs this season.
Rooted in Danish Traditions – but Greener
The Kosmos Friends created a dish that offers the comforting familiarity of classic Danish cuisine while replacing meat with flavorful, plant-based alternatives. Traditional elements such as potatoes and a rich sauce are maintained in the dish, with cabbage taking a starring role. The red pepper sauce was especially praised by the show’s judges for its deep, satisfying flavor.
Despite being meat-free, the winning meal remains aligned with Scandinavian culinary identity, drawing on local ingredients and simple preparation.
A Healthy Meal That Doesn’t Break the Bank
One of the goals behind the winning dish was to create something that students and families could realistically cook at home. The ingredients are low-cost and widely available in Danish supermarkets, emphasizing accessibility. With the meal being 100% plant-based, it also supports eco-conscious eating and contributes to a reduced carbon footprint.
According to a 2023 report by the Danish Agriculture and Food Council, 24% of Danes say they are actively trying to reduce their meat consumption, a number that has doubled over the past five years. The contest organizers hope the visibility and popularity of this new favorite meal could push that figure even higher.
More Than Just a Meal: A Message of Sustainability
The founders of the dish are united not only by friendship but also by a shared passion for vegan cuisine and environmental awareness. They all previously worked at Kosmos, a sustainable vegan café located in the city of Odense, which has become a hub for green living advocates in Denmark.
Their message to the public is simple: you don’t need to sacrifice taste to eat sustainably. The winning dish was designed to be both delicious and approachable, a gateway to a more plant-focused lifestyle for those who may be skeptical.
Fennel, a vegetable that can divide opinion, takes on a new character when combined with sweet pears and a touch of vinegar. The techniques used in the recipe are geared toward home cooks, requiring minimal effort and offering oven-time flexibility, giving families a chance to spend more time together while preparing dinner.
No Preaching, Just Delicious Food
Rather than adopting a judgmental stance on people’s food choices, the Kosmos Friends aim to inspire change through flavor. They believe the key to encouraging more widespread adoption of plant-based meals lies in demonstrating how tasty, satisfying, and easy they can be.
Changing food habits can be slow, especially when many people have routines deeply anchored in animal-based ingredients. The team recognizes this and wants their dish to be seen not as a challenge, but as an invitation to explore something new.
A Reunion in the Kitchen
For the Kosmos Friends, who have gone their separate ways in recent years pursuing studies, careers, and other personal projects, the competition served as a joyful reunion. Cooking together again not only reignited their shared passion for food but also reminded them of their mission to make plant-based food more mainstream in Denmark.
The winning recipe is now available through DR’s food site, and viewers who wish to try it at home can access a free tutorial on DRTV, DR’s online streaming service.
With growing momentum behind climate-conscious eating in Denmark and globally, the Kosmos Friends’ creation may help usher in a new era of Danish home cooking – one that honors tradition while embracing a greener future.
