My very vegan BLT is a toothsome, wholesome treat that is just as tasty and nowhere near as fat- and animal-loaded as the original thing. Even better, it has an Indian spice twist.
I did not want to try to replicate here the exact tastes of bacon, tomato, and mayonnaise, which are of course the building blocks of a typical BLT. (If I want that, I can always slap on some tofu bacon, vegan mayo, lettuce and tomato on a bun.) Instead, I wanted to infuse the wonderful flavors of the fading summer into my version (which is a BLTT, really).
So into my sandwich went some maddeningly fragrant Basil chutney, ginger-garlic marinated and baked Tofu, green Tomatoes, and good old Lettuce. I went one step further to make it healthier by cradling it all in a whole-wheat, homemade, pillowy burger bun.
This has been a tough and rough week for me, so this is going to be a super-short post. We lost our angelic cat, Pubm, to cancer this past Wednesday. Those of you who have followed this blog for a while know --from my posts and from Desi's pictures of her-- just how wonderful she was and how much she meant to us. We feel lucky to have had her in our lives, and we are glad she went in the home she loved so much, by her dad who loves her with all his heart.
Many thanks to all the readers and friends who wrote in with their best wishes and prayers for her.
Vegan BLT
Ingredients
For the basil chutney
- 1 cup basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 jalapeno (or another green chili pepper)
- 1 clove garlic
- Salt to taste
For the spiced green tomatoes
- 1 large green tomato (Slice it in ¼-inch-thick ringsyou should have about six. If you are using bigger or smaller tomatoes, use less or more)
- ½ cup chickpea flour (besan)
- ¼ teaspoon cumin seeds , crushed
- ½ teaspoon cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
For the tofu
- 16 oz extra firm tofu (cut into six slices)
- ½ teaspoon ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon turmeric
- Salt to taste
For serving
Instructions
Make the chutney
- Place all ingredients in a blender and process to a fine paste. Add water if it's too thick.
Prep the tofu
- Mix the ginger juice, garlic, turmeric and salt in a deep dish. Place the tofu slices in the marinade, turn over, and let them sit there for at least 30 minutes.
- Spray oil in a baking dish. Place the tofu slices, a few centimeters apart, in it and bake in a preheated 400-degree oven for at least 30 minutes or until the tofu feels firm on the outside.
Make the tomatoes
- Mix all the ingredients, except the tomatoes, and add enough water to make a pancake-consistency batter.
- Heat a nonstick or cast-iron griddle. Spray with some oil.
- Dip each tomato slice into the batter, coat evenly on both sides, and cook on the griddle until each side turns golden-brown.
Assemble the sandwich
- Slit six whole-wheat buns down the middle. Slather each side with the basil chutney.
- Layer on the tofu, tomato and lettuce.
For a just-as-delicious variation, try using my Vegan Fried Green Tomatoes instead of the Indian-spiced green tomatoes.
**
This is one of my favorite pictures of Pubm-- she loved to nap on the newspaper. And she had good taste: it usually was the New York Times! 🙂
Laura
In order to get ginger juice, I just cut it into small enough chunks and press it through the garlic press. It juices it nicely, and it's a lot less work!
Mints!
Sorry to hear about Pubm! How are other kidos handling losing two friends back to back, specially Pie? It is difficult for us but I am sure they find it difficult too.
Miri
So sorry for your loss Vaishali 🙁
Prixie
I am so sorry about your cat.
And the recipe sounds intensely delicious.
Mel
So sorry to hear about dear Pubm. It's such a difficult time loosing a beloved companion. Big hugs to you all xxxx
Gayatri
Sorry for your loss Vaishali. It's never easy but from what we've read over time, seems like she had a wonderful life with wonderful parents in a loving home.
Gayatri
Vani
Sorry about Pubm, Vaishali. It brought tears into my ears just looking at her picture since she looks so very much like my own cat, Cindy, who I had to leave behind in Chennai. Good for your own little girl that she went in love and peace. RIP.
Get Skinny, Go Vegan.
So sorry to hear of your loss......
xxxxxxxxooooooooooo
Richa
I am so sorry about Pubm. Good to hear that she went peacefully at home. love her picture on the newspaper. sleeping kitties and doggies make the cutest pictures. Hugs to you all.
the bltt looks divine and the buns look so fluffy and perfect. love the crispy tomato.
Richa @Hobby And More Vegan food Blog
Manasi
I am so sorry for ur loss. Take care.
Now Serving
That looks amazing! I love your combo- basil, lettuce, and tofu! Awesome snaps and great idea to make a common sandwich extraordinary!
Nikki
So sorry to hear about the passing of your sweet kitty. Losing a family member is hard.
I love the spin you put on your BLT. It looks so fresh and healthy.