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Tempeh BLTA Sandwich Recipe

A bacon, lettuce, tomato and avocado sandwich is one of the most delicious combinations.  So how can we make a pork-free, guilt-free version of this irresistable sandwich?  The secret is to replace the bacon with naturally flavored tempeh, commonly available in many supermarkets.  Its salty, tangy, savory flavor stands in for bacon so well you might prefer it.  There are also varieties of tempeh flavored with natural smoke and maple syrup. Yum!  I also like to use a wheat-free, gluten free bread.

Tempeh is a fermented soy cake, a more easily digestible soy product.  Fermented soy contains less of the oligosaccharides found in other soy products that can lead to gas and indigestion. This process may also produce additional B12 not found in other soy.  Addtionally, fermentation lowers the amount of phytic acid present, helping your body absorb more minerals.

Ingredients:

  • Gluten-free sliced bread
  • Lettuce of your choice (I use romaine)
  • Ripe Tomato
  • Avocado
  • Tempeh Strips
  • 1 Lemon

Directions:

  1. Cut the lemon in half with a knife and then use the knife to cut your avocado in half.  The juice on the knife keeps it from browning the avocado.
  2. Cover a spoon in lemon juice and scoop avocado into bowl with lemon juice added to taste. Sprinkle with Onion Powder and a little Garlic Powder if you want a more mayo-esk flavor. Mash into a spread.
  3. Fry tempeh in a pan with coconut or olive oil on medium heat. Flip when it browns around the edges and starts to smell bacon-like.
  4. Toast the bread.
  5. Spread both sides of toast with lots of avocado spread.  Put sliced tomato on one side, tempeh on the other.  This keeps your ingredients from sliding out.
  6. Stack the sandwich with lettuce in the middle.  Press together to get the tomatoes firmly attached to the toast, and squeeze out some avocado for a mouth-watering presentation.

This sandwich is a perfect summertime treat, sure to satisfy that savory craving.  Goes great with picnics, cucumber salad and ice tea!