Ingredients (use vegan versions):
Pesto:
1 to 2 garlic cloves, to taste
2 cups fresh basil
1/3 cup pine nuts
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
Tofu Steaks:
1 (12-ounce) block extra-firm tofu
Tofu Steak Marinade:
1 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar
1 tablespoon lemon pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
The Sandwiches:
sourdough bread (or any kind you like, but sourdough really complements the flavor)
spinach leaves
Roma tomatoes, sliced
avocado, sliced
sprouts
Veganaise or other vegan mayo(optional)
Directions:
Pesto:
1. Chop garlic in a food processor, then add the basil, pine nuts, and salt, chop. Drizzle in olive oil and balsamic vinegar while the food processor is running. Refrigerate over night.
Tofu Steaks:
2. Cut one block of tofu in half width-wise, then cut the halves in thirds (if that makes sense? Or to whatever size will work best with the bread you're using.) Put the tofu steaks in a container in a single layer.
Tofu Steak Marinade:
3. In a bowl, mix together oil, white wine vinegar, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Pour over your tofu steaks. Let them hang out in the fridge with your pesto overnight. (The pesto and Tofu steaks are better if they sit overnight but it's not necessary if you want them right now. Of course you can use a store bought marinade for the steaks, and/or store bought vegan pesto.)
The Sandwiches:
Now that you've patiently waited for you tofu and pesto to become delicious you will be rewarded with sandwiches.
4. Heat a frying pan or skillet over medium heat. Fry the tofu steaks for a few minutes on each side, until their slightly browned. Set them aside.
5. On each side of sourdough bread, spread a generous amount of pesto. On one slice of bread, layer spinach on top of that, then sliced Roma tomatoes, tofu steaks, avocado slices, and sprouts. On the other slice of bread, spread with some vegan mayonnaise.
6. Fry the sandwiches over medium heat until they're nice and golden brown on each side, I like to use the same pan the tofu was fried in for a little extra flavor. (A panini grill or whatever would work too if you don't want to pan fry them.) Enjoy!
Source of recipe: The pesto recipe is from Vegan Brunch. The rest isn't.
Makes: 2 Sandwiches (or 4 smaller sandwiches), Preparation time: 10 min (or 24hrs), Cooking time: 10 minutes
