When Veggies Become Tuna
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When I’m preparing vegetarian versions of classic recipes like Maryland Mock Crab-cakes, Grilled Seitan or Tofu Phish I’ll focus on recreating the familiar flavors of those dishes by using many of the same spices and flavorings that would be added to the traditional meat or seafood versions. That, by and large is fairly easy. What can be trickier is achieving similar textures and I think texture is equally important as taste when it comes to food. Over the years I’ve had a great many versions of “tuna” that were prepared with tofu, tempeh and even chickpeas. Although they were all really delicious there seemed to be something missing. There was always that texture problem. One day while I was processing artichokes for my Artichoke Pesto I noticed that chopped artichokes actually really looked like tuna! The pesto never materialized however within a day or two I managed to nail down a recipe for “tuna” that was not only tasty and healthy, but had that tuna look and feel. So, with the busy holiday season rapidly approaching and colder weather right around the corner, now is a perfect time to have healthy soup and sandwich meals ready to go. For a nutritious comforting lunch or supper try a pairing of my Creamy Cauliflower Soup and Mock Tuna Salad sandwiches. That’s what we had this evening and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
About the author
Written by Toni Fiore
Toni Fiore was raised by an Italian-American father and a German mother who instilled in her a sociable nature and the love of travel and of good food. She has lived in Italy and Germany and now resides in southern Maine. She is the author of: Totally Vegetarian: Easy, Fast, Comforting Cooking for Every Kind of Vegetarian
melanie
November 14, 2011
I just tried the Mock Tuna last night – so easy to make and tasted delish! We did not have any onions or celery, but it still tastes REALLY good. Thanks so much for your easy vegan videos – you are changing and saving lives.