Anything But Ordinary: Vegetarian Bacon (and a really good breakfast smoothie)

Bean Bacon SandwichesI love tempeh bacon.  Tofu mimicking bacon makes my mouth water.  Each has their own unique flavors and textures – and I’ve admittedly been a bit obsessed about bacon-esque tastes for a while now.  So when I ran across a recipe where I could assemble my own fake-on entirely from scratch, I tried it immediately.  It’s totally unique, deliciously salty, smoky and sweet.  I offer up this sandwich not so much for the combination of ingredients – do what you will between your slices of bread – but to send you to this creative vegan, beany “bacon” recipe, which I found at Ordinary Vegetarian.

Vegetarian Bacon Sandwich
Serves 2

6 or so slices of homemade bean bacon
4 slices whole grain bread
sandwich fixin’s: avocado, tomato slices, sliced onion, fresh arugula, tofu mayo, sprouts

Veggie Bacon Slices

Put it all together, nestle up next to some chips or crunchy, raw veggies.  Don’t forget dessert.  Might I humbly suggest a slice of Chocolate Creme Pie or a warm Peanut Butter & Banana Muffins?

And…My delicious breakfast this morning was inspired by this post on The Veggie Nook.  The flavors appealed to me as did the use of oatmeal to add thickness to this smoothie. I had neither chia nor hemp seeds, but topping the smoothie with roasted walnuts and cacao nibs added a nice crunch.  I paired it with a bowl of fresh fruit and a slice of cracked wheat bread topped with natural PB and a banana.  I’m stuffed!  Thanks, Gabby!

Oatmeal Banana Smoothie

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25 thoughts on “Anything But Ordinary: Vegetarian Bacon (and a really good breakfast smoothie)

  1. tearoomdelights says:

    Absolutely delicious looking breakfast! I’ve never had tempeh bacon before, but I never was much of a fan of the real thing either. They say it’s one of the things vegetarians miss most, but not me. I must admit the smell is mouth-watering but I always found the taste and texture very disappointing. Maybe I’d prefer the tempeh stuff, perhaps I should try making it some time.

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      I’m with you. I never was a fan of bacon (always overcooked or undercooked, it seemed), though the smell always got me. I think you’d like tempeh bacon. I find it addictive (in a good way)!

      • tearoomdelights says:

        Yeah that’s the thing, it was either all floppy and raw looking or burnt to a crisp and almost inedible. I’ll have to try your tempeh bacon, thank you.

  2. Tiffany says:

    That is one amazing looking breakfast!

  3. Shaanthz says:

    This looks tempting….time to check out vegan bacon!

  4. sannae says:

    This is so cool! I’m from Holland and here the whole veganscene is very small and most people look at me as if I’m crazy if i tell them I’m vegan. I started a vegan/fashion/photography blog to gain knowledge about veganfood and found your blog! Amazing, will try some of your recipes this week :) Hope you want to check out my blog, as well!

    Love

    http://fashionfoodfight.wordpress.com/2012/03/10/coconut-oil-oatmeal-cookies/

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      Hey! Thanks for stopping by and commenting! I’d love to check out your blog – and am doing so right now ! Hang in there – the vegan thing is spreading like wildfire!

  5. Dena @ 40 Fit in the Mitt says:

    Now that’s what i call an amazing breakfast! Lovely

  6. inkspeare says:

    So yummy! I miss bacon the most; it was my favorite. How do you make your own tofu bacon? Is there a recipe here that I can follow?

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      I’m going to be posting one within the next week or so – but it’s essentially a version of baked tofu using “bacon” flavors. Delicious.

  7. Rachel in Veganland says:

    Yum! Nothing like a TLT to start the day off right! I was never much for bacon in my omnivorous days so I haven’t tried tempeh bacon yet, but your sandwich looks so good that I just might give it a go!

  8. Gabby @ the veggie nook says:

    I’m so glad you tried and enjoyed the smoothie! :)

  9. Shira says:

    Okay, I think I might need to try Gabby’s smoothie..that’s a nice looking spread! Oh My!

  10. Richgail Enriquez says:

    I love having cacao nibs in desserts and smoothies…About the tempeh bacon, how does it compare “grease” wise? Im just wondering coz the vegan ones I’ve had before were a little too dry. Thanks in advance!

    • An Unrefined Vegan says:

      Tempeh bacon is my favorite of all the different vegan versions – I really like the texture. It’s not dry at all. You might also like the bean/buckwheat version I link to – it’s different and also has a nice softer texture.

  11. Vegan Rabbit says:

    I want to live in your kitchen! I love tempeh bacon as well — and those avocado slices (bet you didn’t think I’d see those, didja?). I could almost eat that stuff through the computer screen.

  12. Siri says:

    Tempeh bacon with tomato, avocado, and vegan mayo is one of my favorite combinations of all time– this sandwich never gets old! Love your blog!

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