The Spicy Spatula

Let’s say you’re in the mood for a sandwich. Not just any sandwich. I’m not talking about taking a few slices of toasted bread and smacking on some vegan lunchmeat on top with lettuce, tomato and toppings. There’s nothing wrong with that, but that’s not what we’re talking about right now.

We’re talking about what my aunt calls “A grown folks’” sandwich which is to say a proper sandwich that has real ingredients with a depth of flavor that requires more than pulling ingredients from the fridge and assembling them on bread. Again, nothing wrong with that but that’s just not what we’re talking about today.

So, you want this ‘grown folks’ sandwich’ but you don’t want to slave over the stove because–checks watch–it’s still a historic heatwave sweeping multiple continents. And if you landed here by accident, that heatwave is just another really great reason to go vegan!

What is a sandwich lover to do under such conditions?

Put your oven to work, of course. At least that’s what I do because for the first time in my life–okay second if you include my first apartment in Romania–my kitchen has a door! This traybake vegan sandwich recipe is the perfect way to have pretty much any meal you want without sweating your booty off in the process.

The ingredient list is simple. The process is simple. The flavors? So complex people won’t believe that you didn’t Hawkeye it until the tofu was crispy and the vegetables were perfectly caramelized.

Let them think what they want, you deserve it!

If you’re a vegan who loves sandwiches, you’ll love this one.

Kitchen Tools:

*Cutting board
*Kitchen knife
*Baking mats (silicon or Teflon)
*Bread knife

Ingredients:

*Tofu
*Onions
*Bell peppers
*Bread
*Vegan Gouda
*Mustard
*Oregano, basil, garlic, salt & pepper, hot paprika & cumin

Instructions:

*Slice tofu into about 6 to 8 slices, or enough to cover at least 2 sandwiches.

*Toss tofu in herbs and spices and set aside.

*Slice onions and bell peppers and toss in the same or a similar herbs & spices mix.

*Bake for 15 to 20 minutes on 180C/375F, or until crispy and caramelized.

*Slather mustard on both sides of the sandwich bread. You can add ketchup or barbecue sauce or even vegan mayo if you want but I think a good quality mustard is all you need.

*When tofu and veggies are done, it’s time to assemble your sandwich. You can add the vegan gouda on the bread and toast it for 90 seconds or you can assemble the sandwich, lay the slice of cheese on top and melt in the oven. Either way produces the same result, it just depend son where you want the vegan cheese.

*Serve with salad, chips or whatever other vegan side dish floats your fancy. And an ice cold beer is always a welcome addition.

*What’s your go-to sandwich when it’s too hot to do anything fancy or complicated?