Crunchy, Smoky, and Oh-So-Addictive: Vegan Almond Bacon
Hey there, food lovers! Are you ready to take your salads and snack game to the next level? I've got a secret weapon that's about to become your new best friend: Vegan Almond Bacon! Yes, you heard that right. We're not talking about some sad, soggy imitation here. We're talking about crispy, smoky, utterly addictive pieces of almond goodness that will have you questioning everything you thought you knew about bacon.
From Greek Island Inspiration
This recipe was born from a happy accident, or more accurately, a lack of coconut! Back in 2018, while living on a tiny Greek island, coconut shavings were proving hard to come by. But almonds? They were everywhere! Inspired by the popular vegan coconut bacon hack, I thought, 'Why not try it with almonds?' And, oh boy, am I glad I did!
I’ve been making this ever since and now I actually prefer almond bacon. It has a superior crunch and lacks the overt coconut flavor that can sometimes clash with savory dishes. Initially, I used sliced almonds but now I mostly use whole almonds cut in half, because they are sturdy and hold the flavour so well.
The Magic Ingredients
This isn't some complicated culinary feat. It's simple, straightforward, and uses just six basic ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry:
- Almonds: Flaked or whole almonds (halved). The choice is yours! Flaked are quicker, while whole give you a better texture and crunch.
- Soy Sauce (or Tamari): The umami bomb that brings the saltiness we crave from bacon. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.
- Mild Oil: A little oil keeps things nice and crispy. Olive oil or any mild vegetable oil works perfectly.
- Tomato Paste: A touch of acidity and more umami to help the marinade adhere to the almonds
- Maple Syrup: Just a touch of sweetness to balance the smokiness and salt. Any liquid sweetener will do but I prefer the flavour of Maple Syrup.
- Smoked Paprika: The secret to that smoky bacon flavor. If you're feeling extra smoky, you can use a little liquid smoke instead (but half the amount).
Making Your Almond Bacon
Here's the super easy process:
- Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- If using whole almonds, chop them lengthwise.
- Whisk together soy sauce, oil, maple syrup, tomato paste and smoked paprika in a medium bowl.
- Add almonds and stir until they are fully coated.
- Spread the almonds on the baking tray and bake for 15 minutes.
- Stir the almonds and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until they look dry.
- Let them cool completely on the baking sheet and marvel at your crispy creations.
Serving Suggestions
These almond bacon bits are most delicious when eaten straight from the baking tray, once cooled. But you can store them in an air-tight container for a few days (they might lose some of their crispness if they absorb moisture from the air). You can crisp them up again by baking for a few minutes.
Here are some ideas for using this versatile treat:
- Salads: Sprinkle over any green salad for a bacon-y crunch.
- Pasta: Elevate your simple pasta dishes with a sprinkle of this delightful bacon.
- Avocado Toast: Add a savory kick to your breakfast staple.
- Snack Attack: Eat it by the handful! (I won't judge.)
Tips and Tricks
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the marinade.
- If you like it extra salty, add a pinch of sea salt on top before baking.
- Don't overcrowd the baking tray, ensure that the almonds are in a single layer for optimal crisping.
Let's Get Cooking!
So, are you ready to embark on this delicious adventure? I promise, once you taste this vegan almond bacon, you'll be hooked! It's healthy, it's easy, it's incredibly delicious and so much better for you than traditional bacon. It is perfect for anyone trying to reduce their meat consumption. Go on, make a batch and let me know what you think. Tag me on social media using #lazycatkitchen (even though I am not really called Lazy Cat!) - I absolutely love to see your creations!