This recipe presents a flavorful and versatile sandwich filling known as Fermented Tempeh Salad. It offers a double dose of fermented foods, combining the tangy and herb-infused fermented celery with the crispness of pickles. This salad is a delightful option for those following a gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diet. The combination of textures and flavors provides a fresh and satisfying sandwich experience.
Serves 6
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup vegan chicken-flavored broth or chicken broth
- 1 (16-ounce) block soy tempeh
- ½–1 cup mayonnaise, to taste (Homemade Sunflower Mayonnaise or Almonnaise)
- 3–4 tablespoons Celery “Stuffing”
- 1 New York Deli–Style Pickle, diced
- ¼ red onion, diced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
INSTRUCTIONS:
- Begin by bringing the vegan chicken-flavored broth or chicken broth to a simmer. Add the block of tempeh to the simmering broth and allow it to soak up the flavors. Simmer for approximately 3 to 5 minutes on each side, ensuring that the pan does not run dry.
- Once simmered, remove the tempeh from the pan and let it cool to the touch. Dice the tempeh into cubes and place them in a bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Celery “Stuffing,” diced pickle, and diced red onion to the bowl. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Mix all the ingredients together until well combined. The creamy mayonnaise, tangy celery ferment, and crunchy pickle and onion create a flavorful and textured salad.
- Serve the Fermented Tempeh Salad on crusty bread, in a wrap, on gluten-free crackers if desired, or rolled up in collard leaves for a lighter option.
VARIATION:
Chicken Salad For a variation of this recipe, you can replace the tempeh with 2 cups of cooked chicken meat. Combine the same ingredients as listed above, using the chicken meat instead of soaked tempeh. This variation offers a different flavor profile while maintaining the freshness and crunchiness of the salad.
The Fermented Tempeh Salad is a delicious and nutritious option for a satisfying and flavorful sandwich filling. Whether you follow a gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diet, this recipe offers a delightful combination of fermented ingredients and fresh crunch. Enjoy the versatility of serving this salad in various ways and explore the option of the chicken variation for a different twist.
TIPS:
- Taste the salad as you mix it and adjust the seasonings accordingly. Add more salt and freshly ground black pepper if desired, or even sprinkle in some dried herbs like dill or parsley to enhance the flavor.
- If you prefer a creamier salad, add more mayonnaise to achieve the desired consistency. Conversely, if you prefer a lighter and less creamy texture, use less mayonnaise or substitute some of it with Greek yogurt or a vegan yogurt alternative.
- If you enjoy an extra crunch in your salad, consider adding some additional ingredients like chopped celery, sliced almonds, or diced bell peppers. These additions will contribute to a more dynamic and textured eating experience.
- For the best flavor and texture, allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will give the flavors time to meld together and allow the tempeh to absorb the other ingredients.
