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Lunch · · Recipe

Vegan Tuna Sandwich with Chickpeas

vegan tuna sandwich

A vegan tuna sandwich replaces the fish with mashed chickpeas mixed with vegan mayo, celery, dill, chopped pickles and a splash of kombu dashi for a subtle ocean flavour. Smoked paprika, lemon juice and nutritional yeast round out the tang, and the filling comes together in about 15 to 20 minutes before piling onto your favourite bread.

3 Reasons this Vegan Tuna is Awesome

    1. Nutrient-Dense: This Vegan Tuna Sandwich dish is high in protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals. It provides a healthy and hearty dinner alternative that will keep you happy throughout the day by incorporating chickpeas and various vegetables.
    2. Flavourful and adaptable: The zesty dressing, crunchy veggies, and chickpea “tuna” give this recipe a lovely blend of flavours and textures. It’s also highly customizable, letting you add your favourite sandwich toppings or mix up the components to suit your tastes.
    3. Environmentally conscious: Selecting a plant-based alternative to traditional tuna enhances your health and promotes sustainable food practices. By choosing this Vegan Tuna Sandwich dish, you are helping the earth, lowering your carbon footprint, and supporting a more compassionate lifestyle.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Vegan Tuna Sandwich

vegan tuna
  1. Get the texture right: Mash the chickpeas to your desired consistency, making sure to leave some larger pieces for a more authentic “tuna” texture. If you prefer a smoother consistency, you can use a food processor, but be careful not to over-process.
  2. Boost the seafood flavour: To enhance the seafood-like taste, consider adding more kombu dashi or using a few drops of vegan fish sauce. You can also incorporate finely chopped nori sheets or dulse flakes for a more pronounced ocean flavour.
  3. Customise your dressing: Feel free to experiment with the dressing ingredients. Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. Swap out the maple syrup for agave nectar or a bit of your favourite sweetener to suit your taste preferences.
  4. Let it marinate: For the best flavour, allow the chickpea mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before assembling your sandwich. This helps the flavours meld together and creates a more robust taste.
  5. Choose the right bread: A great sandwich starts with great bread. Opt for a sturdy bread or roll that can withstand the vegan tuna mixture without getting soggy. Whole-grain or artisan bread are excellent choices for added texture and flavour.
  6. Vary your toppings: Get creative with your sandwich toppings! Try adding sliced avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, sprouts, or even a drizzle of sriracha for extra flair. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box and discover new flavour combinations.
  7. Make it a wrap or salad: If you’re looking for a low-carb or gluten-free option, try using lettuce wraps or collard greens instead of bread. Alternatively, serve the vegan tuna mixture over a bed of greens for a satisfying salad.

Try this Recipe Also: Vegan Calamari Recipe (Oyster Mushrooms)

Vegan Tuna Sandwich

vegan tuna sandwich
  • Calories: Approximately 260 calories per serving (excluding bread and additional toppings).
  • Serving Size: 4 servings.
  • Prep Time: 15-20 minutes, plus an optional 30 minutes of marinating time for optimal flavour.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans chickpeas
  • 1/3 - 1 cup vegan mayo
  • 1 rib of celery, diced
  • 1/2 onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 Tbsp chopped dill
  • 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 Tbsp maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp chopped pickles
  • 1 Tbsp cumin
  • 1 cup pickle brine
  • 4 pepperoncinis, diced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Kombu dashi (small cup of nori algae in hot water)

Instructions

  1. Drain and rinse the chickpeas. Using a potato masher or fork, mash them to your desired consistency. Set aside.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine vegan mayo, diced celery, diced onion, minced garlic, chopped dill, maple syrup, chopped pickles, pickle brine, diced pepperoncini, lemon juice, and nutritional yeast. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
  3. Add the kombu dashi to the dressing mixture, giving it a slight seafood flavour reminiscent of traditional tuna.
  4. Combine the dressing with the mashed chickpeas, mixing until well incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
  5. Spread the vegan tuna mixture onto your favourite bread or wrap, add your preferred sandwich toppings, and enjoy!

Video Recipe

https://youtu.be/vFs9XY1KzXY

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Storage TIPS

Follow these simple storage tips to keep your Vegan Tuna Sandwich combination fresh and delicious:

Refrigerate

Refrigerate the vegan tuna mixture in an airtight jar for up to 4 days. This allows you to create a nice sandwich anytime hunger hits swiftly!

Freeze

You can freeze the vegan tuna combination if you want to create a larger quantity and store some for later. Freeze for up to 2 months in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, labelled with the date. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before building your sandwich to enjoy.

Individual Sandwich Storage

If you want, cover each sandwich tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To avoid sogginess, add any moist toppings, like as tomatoes or lettuce, soon before eating.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Does Vegan Tuna Taste Like?

The chickpea base takes on a savoury, salty character from kombu dashi, nutritional yeast and pickle brine, with smoked paprika and dill adding depth. Nori sheets or dulse flakes can be stirred in for a more pronounced ocean flavour.

How Long Does Vegan Tuna Sandwich Filling Keep in the Fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the mixture keeps for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Can You Freeze Vegan Tuna Sandwich Filling?

Yes. Freeze it in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags for up to 2 months, labelled with the date, and thaw overnight in the fridge before assembling your sandwich.

What Bread Works Best for a Vegan Tuna Sandwich?

A sturdy bread or roll, such as whole-grain or artisan bread, holds up best without turning soggy.

That’s a tasty, nutritious, and simple Vegan Tuna Sandwich dish! Savor the delicious flavours of this plant-based alternative to the classic tuna sandwich while knowing you’re doing something good for your health and the environment. Enjoy your meal!

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MindShift Mentors · 7 nights free

It’s 9pm and you’re not even hungry

The kitchen light goes on anyway. Fifteen minutes of guided audio a night, aimed at the pattern rather than the willpower.

Try 7 nights freeThat’s me, most nights