Wholesome Veggie Lunch Meat Recipe for Health Enthusiasts
Are you tired of the limited options for vegan deli meat at your local grocery store? Look no further than this recipe for Veggie Lunch Meat, perfect for sandwiches or a protein-packed snack. This recipe, inspired by the “Vegan Dad,” uses plant-based ingredients including vital wheat gluten and white beans to create a tasty and nutritious alternative to traditional lunch meat. Not only is this recipe meat-free, it also avoids any preservatives or additives often found in store-bought deli slices. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, even those new to vegan cooking can successfully make this delicious veggie lunch meat recipe at home. Say goodbye to bland and unsatisfying plant-based options and hello to a tasty and fulfilling lunch with this Veggie Lunch Meat recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional lunch meat? Look no further because this Veggie Lunch Meat recipe from Vegan Dad is the perfect solution for you! You’ll love this recipe because it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also packed with nutrients from plant-based ingredients.
With vital wheat gluten as the main ingredient, this veggie lunch meat is high in protein and low in fat – making it a great choice for those following a plant-based diet. The seasoning blend of soy sauce, pepper, sage, ground fennel, turmeric, garlic, onion powder, and paprika gives the meat a savory and slightly spicy taste that will satisfy any craving.
Plus, unlike traditional lunch meat which is often loaded with preservatives and artificial ingredients, this veggie lunch meat is made with wholesome ingredients like white beans and nutritional yeast which are rich in fiber and vitamins.
Whether you’re looking for a vegan deli meat substitute or simply want to incorporate more plant-based options into your diet, you’ll love this recipe! So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this tasty and nutritious veggie lunch meat made right at home?
Ingredient List
Here is what you will need to make Veggie Lunch Meat, a recipe proudly associated with Vegan Dad:
- 1 cup vital wheat gluten
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 cups water
- 4 cup white beans (drained)
These ingredients are the backbone of the recipe and will allow you to create a fantastic vegan lunch meat. No need for fancy seasoning or hard-to-find products here! Even though the recipe calls for some unique ingredients such as vital wheat gluten and fennel, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered with some easy substitutions.
The Recipe How-To
To start, gather your ingredients using the ingredient list provided. In a large mixing bowl, combine vital wheat gluten, nutritional yeast, pepper, sage, ground fennel, turmeric, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Mix well to blend.
Add white beans and water to a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth. Mix the bean puree with the dry ingredients in the mixing bowl until it becomes clumpy.
Knead the dough with your hands for approximately 10 minutes to properly activate the gluten, resulting in a firm texture. If needed, add additional vital wheat gluten or water for smoothness.
Cooking the Lunch Meat
Cut the dough into 2 oz portions and flatten them to create thin patties, about half an inch thick. then place them onto a plate coated with no-stick cooking spray.
In a large skillet, bring water, soy sauce, and oil (optional) to a simmer over medium heat. Gently place the patties into the liquid and cover, letting them cook for around 30-40 minutes until firm.
Cooling and Slicing
Once done, use tongs to transfer the patties into a bowl of ice water for about 5 minutes to cool them down quickly.
After they are completely cooled off slice thinly so that you can have perfect deli-looking slices!
Serve on bread with lettuce, tomato, avocado, mayo or at least alongside some delicious vegan cheese.
Enjoy your homemade vegan deli meat featuring plant-based protein- it’s perfect for wrapping up in sandwiches or serving on cheese boards.
Note: You could store this vegetarian luncheon loaf in your freezer or refrigerator using appropriate storing methods.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the great things about this Veggie Lunch Meat recipe is that it’s very versatile and can easily be customized to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
– Vital wheat gluten: If you don’t have vital wheat gluten on hand, you can use chickpea flour or oat flour instead. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may be slightly different.
– Spices: The spices in this recipe (pepper, sage, ground fennel, turmeric, garlic, onion powder, paprika, and salt) can be adjusted to your liking. You can also swap them out for other spices that you enjoy such as cumin or smoked paprika.
– White beans: The white beans in this recipe add moisture and texture to the lunch meat. You can use any other type of cooked beans such as black beans or chickpeas instead.
– Tofu: If you don’t have extra firm tofu available or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with tempeh or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
– Broth: Instead of using vegan chicken broth, you can use vegetable broth or water with a pinch of salt for added flavor.
– Tomato paste: If you don’t have tomato paste on hand, you can substitute it with ketchup or BBQ sauce for a different flavor.
– Nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast adds a cheesy, savory flavor to the lunch meat slices. If you don’t have nutritional yeast available or are allergic to it, you can leave it out or add some vegan cheese shreds on top of your sliced lunch meat.
Overall, feel free to experiment with different substitutions and variations to make this veggie lunch meat recipe your very own.
Serving and Pairing
This vegan veggie lunch meat is so versatile and can be served in many different ways! You can slice it up for a classic deli sandwich or wrap, or chop it up and use it as a salad topper for some added protein. It’s also great on its own as a snack or appetizer, served with some crackers or sliced veggies.
To take your sandwich game to the next level, try pairing this veggie lunch meat with some fresh avocado, tomato, lettuce, and mustard. Or, switch things up and go for a spicy kick with some jalapeno slices and hot sauce. The choices are endless!
Another great way to enjoy this meal is by pan-searing or grilling the deli slices for a crispy texture. Throw it on top of a burger, mix it into pasta or use it as a pizza topping! The options are limitless.
Pair this veggie lunch meat with some vegan cheese, hummus, and pickles for an epic charcuterie board that would satisfy any crowd’s taste buds. Plus, this recipe is perfect for meal prepping since you can make multiple batches and freeze them for later use.
Whatever your preference may be, this vegan dad recipe is sure to jazz up any meal and elevate your plant-based diet repertoire.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One great thing about this veggie lunch meat recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time and store it for later. To make things even easier, you can double the recipe and freeze half of it for later use. This way, you have homemade vegan deli slices whenever you need them without the hassle of making them from scratch every time.
To store the veggie lunch meat, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Alternatively, you can also freeze the deli slices for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to use them, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
To reheat the veggie lunch meat, simply pan-fry the slices in a little oil over medium heat until heated through and crisp on both sides. You can also try grilling or broiling them to add some extra texture and flavor. Whether you’re making a sandwich or serving them as part of a platter, these homemade seitan deli slices are sure to impress.
Remember, when it comes to storing and reheating any type of food, safety should always come first. Be sure to follow proper food handling and storage guidelines to keep your veggie lunch meat fresh and tasty for as long as possible.
Tips for Perfect Results
When making veggie lunch meat, there are a few tips to ensure perfect results every time. First, make sure to let the dough rest after kneading for at least 10-15 minutes. This will help the vital wheat gluten absorb the liquid and give the meat a firmer texture.
Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasoning blends to find the perfect flavor profile for your taste buds. I recommend using a combination of pepper, sage, ground fennel, turmeric, garlic, onion powder, and paprika for a delicious and savory blend.
Next, when shaping the meat, make sure to form it tightly into a loaf shape and wrap it tightly in aluminum foil. This will help the meat hold its shape and steam evenly while baking.
For an even more authentic deli-style experience, try slicing your veggie lunch meat thinly and layering it on bread with your favorite toppings. Some tasty options include vegan cheese, lettuce, tomato, and avocado.
Finally, if you have any leftover veggie lunch meat, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for longer storage. Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
By following these simple tips and recommendations, you can create delicious and satisfying homemade vegan deli slices that are perfect for sandwiches, wraps or as a standalone snack. So why not give this recipe a try today and impress your family and friends with your homemade seitan skills!
FAQ
As with any recipe, it is likely that you will have questions about the ingredients, steps, or possible substitutions. In this section, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help clarify any doubts or concerns you may have about this veggie lunch meat recipe. Read on for some helpful tips and insights that will hopefully make your cooking experience even more enjoyable and successful.
What is vegan lunch meat made of?
Vegan meats have varying recipes depending on the manufacturer, though they frequently utilize protein sources such as soy, chickpeas, pea protein flour, beans, and rice along with vital wheat gluten.
Can you freeze vegan deli slices?
If you’d like to freeze your deli slices, start by steaming your seitan and let it cool off completely before wrapping and storing it in an airtight container or bag in the freezer. Make sure it’s tightly sealed to prevent any freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it fully thaw first before slicing it up.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this veggie lunch meat recipe is a must-try for any vegan or plant-based enthusiast. The combination of vital wheat gluten, soy sauce, and spices creates a delicious and high-protein vegetarian alternative to traditional deli meats. Not only is this recipe a healthier option than store-bought lunch meat, but also it provides infinite possibilities for customization and variation.
By making this recipe, you can satisfy your cravings for sandwich fillings without sacrificing your dietary beliefs. Adding it to your meal prep plan or whipping it up for Father’s Day will surely impress your loved ones with your culinary skills. Plus, the fact that this recipe is both affordable and easy-to-follow makes it a winner in our book.
So if you’re tired of compromises when it comes to finding meat-free recipes, give this veggie lunch meat recipe a try. We promise you won’t be disappointed!
Veggie Lunch Meat (Vegan Dad) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup white beans
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 teaspoon ground fennel
- 1 teaspoon sage
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 2 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
Instructions
- METHOD.
- Get water steaming in your steamer.
- 1. Place all ingredients except the gluten flour in a blender and process until smooth. Pour into a bowl. Add gluten flour and work into a dough.
- 2. Shape dough into a log and wrap in heavy duty foil like a tootsie roll. Try to make the roll as thick as possible. Steam for 1 hour.
- 3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees in the last 15 mins of steaming. Remove seitan from steamer and bake for 45-60 minutes Seitan should swell and press against the foil.
- 4. Cool and slice as needed for sandwiches. This seitan holds up very well and can be shaved very thin. Store in the fridge.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.