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Crispy Eggplant BLT: The Vegan Sandwich! - vegan BLTA - Vegan BLTA: craft this satisfying sandwich with smoky, crispy eggplant 'bacon'. A plant-based take on a

Crispy Eggplant BLT: The Vegan Sandwich!

Vegan BLTA: craft this satisfying sandwich with smoky, crispy eggplant 'bacon'. A plant-based take on a classic, perfect for a flavorful lunch.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 large eggplant
  • 4 slices sandwich bread
  • 4 teaspoons veganaise
  • 2 leaves romaine lettuce

Method
 

  1. Whisk together the maple syrup, olive oil, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, paprika, and kosher salt in a bowl or dish large enough to hold the eggplant slices.
  2. Thinly slice the eggplant using a sharp knife or mandolin into 1/4 inch slices.
  3. Add the sliced eggplant to the bowl with the sauce, allowing the slices to marinate for a few minutes until they soften. Press down to ensure all slices are coated.
  4. Place the softened eggplant slices on dehydrator sheets or an oven tray, ensuring as much marinade as possible remains on them.
  5. To cook in a dehydrator, cook at 115°F
  6. To cook in the oven, preheat to the lowest setting (175-200 degrees). Place the eggplant on silpat or parchment-lined baking sheets and cook for 2-3 hours or until crispy.
  7. Allow the eggplant to cool for 30 minutes to crisp up further.
  8. Assemble your BLT with toasted bread, veganaise, lettuce, avocado, and crispy eggplant 'bacon'.

Notes

- For the crispiest 'bacon,' slice the eggplant as thinly as possible (1/4 inch or less) using a mandolin. - Ensure each eggplant slice is fully submerged and coated in the marinade for maximum flavor absorption. - When baking, a lower oven temperature for a longer period yields the best crispy texture. Don't rush it! - Store any leftover eggplant 'bacon' in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain crispness.
Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.