Husband-Tested in Alice’s Kitchen
Makes 4-6 servings
Makes 4-6 servings
Well, I’ll be danged! This was super easy to prepare and makes a heck of a sandwich. This lunch “meat” is gluten free because the main ingredient is super firm tofu. Using a Y-vegetable peeler, the tofu is sliced quite thin and then simmers in an herby broth until all the flavors permeate the slices. It looks and tastes very similar to thin slices of deli chicken or turkey. Add some to some toasted bread, smear on some Homemade Vegan Mayo and then pile on some cucumbers, Sumac Onion Salad, tomato slices, and greens. This sandwich, along with some fresh fruit, will make a stupendous lunch.
1 block (16 ounces/454g) super firm tofu
1½ cups (360ml) water
2 Tablespoons (30g) Better Than Bouillon,** seasoned vegetable base OR 1½ cups vegetable broth in place of the Better Than Bouillon/water mix
3 sprigs rosemary or 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
5 sprigs thyme or 1 teaspoon dried thyme
1. Use a vegetable peeler to thinly slice and peel the tofu. If you find some pieces are becoming uneven as you peel it you can use a sharp knife to thinly slice some of the tofu.
2. Prepare the Better Than Bouillon by adding the 2 Tablespoons into warm water into a large pan. Mix around until the Better Than Bouillon is mostly dissolved. (The rest will dissolve when it is cooked.)
3. Add in the remaining water, the tofu and the seasonings.
4. Bring to a simmer over medium high heat, then reduce the temperature down to medium to keep the simmer going. Stirring occasionally to make sure all the pieces of tofu are in the mix.
5. Simmer it for about 15 to 20 minutes or until all the broth has been soaked up. You want to be careful to not simmer it too high because it can cause the tofu to break apart.
Notes:
This is a base recipe, it is delicious on its own but if you want to add in more flavors you can try one of the variations below.
Lemon & Black Pepper: if you like a little black pepper and lemony flavor this would be a great way to brighten up the flavor. You can just sprinkle in about ⅛ teaspoon black pepper in and the juice of ½ lemon while simmering. You can then taste it and add more flavor accordingly.
Maple “Turkey”: Adding 1 Tablespoon of maple syrup while it simmers will add in a bit of sweetness.
Buffalo Sauce: Add in 1 Tablespoon of buffalo sauce while simmering.
Better Than Bouillon is available at most super markets. Be sure to purchase the vegetable broth OR the "no-chicken" broth to keep this vegan.
