They’re the staple of lunch boxes everywhere, the focus of a buffet, and the go-to snack for people on the run.
But what exactly do you put in a vegan sandwich?
Well wonder no more, as here are seven tried and tested sarnies our Veganuary participants love. Move over BLT!
1. The Ultimate Hummus Supreme
Toast the bagel, spread on a deliciously thick layer of hummus and top with sweet plum baby vine tomatoes, thinly sliced cucumber and a spot of reduced balsamic vinegar.
2. The Chickpea and Avocado Delight
No problems getting your protein here! Grab a medium sized bowl. Using a fork, mash one (large-ish) ripe avocado together with a tin of drained and rinsed chickpeas. You can add some red onion or spring onion to this (if you don’t mind smelly breath!). Spread the mixture on your bread and top with some more goodness of your choice: spinach, peppers, shredded cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes…
3. The Cruelty-Free Cheesey Bite
As the vegan cheese market continues to grow, so does the variety (and quality!) Check out your local health food store to see what they stock. If you’re in the UK, the top-rated cheeses can be found here. And if you live in the US, you have an even bigger choice here!
This will go well with some onion, lettuce, and a dollop of vegan mayo. Or perhaps the traditional cheese and pickle will appeal to you more. Some cheeses also melt better than others, so have fun experimenting!
4. The Good Old Falafel Favourite
This is the sandwich of choice for Shashi from Soap Nuts. This is her ‘lunch in a rush’ favourite.
Toast the pitta bread (better soft, not crunchy hard toast) and cut in half. Load each pocket with lashings of hummus, sliced falafel, and a few jalapeno slices.
Other people love the hummus and falafel combo too, but try it with some shredded cabbage, tomato, carrot and beetroot. For those who like it hot, add a dash of chilli sauce or relish.
5. The Peanut Butter Classic
It doesn’t matter if you’re 5 years old or 50; this sandwich is timeless. And there’s so much variety in nut butters now: cashew, almond, hazelnut. Make it healthier with some salad, or naughtier with some jam (that’s jelly for the US readers!)
6. Veggie Sandwich Slice Sensation
Visit your local health food store to see what they stock. If you’re in the UK, Vegusto do some delicious sandwich slices. And if you live in the US, Tofurky has an impressive range. Ready-marinated tofu is also beginning to fill supermarket shelves – this is perfect if you fancy something with a ‘meaty’ texture. Slap on some vegan mayo, onion, and salad and you’re good to go.
7. The Roasted Vegetable Sandwich (the slower, but worth it one)
This one takes a little more preparation, but we tend to have this sarnie the day after a Sunday dinner – just do extra roasted veg for next day leftovers. Choose some of your favourite veggies:
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 4 (large) button mushrooms
- 1 small courgette (zucchini), sliced
- 2 red peppers, de-seeded and chopped
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Balsamic vinegar
- Salad
- Vegan mayo
Pre-heat the oven to Gas Mark 6, 180°C (350°F)
Arrange the vegetables in a large roasting tray. Drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar, then toss together a few times to combine evenly. Roast for 35-45 minutes until soft and lightly coloured (stirring occasionally). Let cool.
Spread the mayo on your bread and top with salad. Once the vegetables have cooled, pop these on top of your salad. Ta-Da!
Which one will become your favourite…?
