Introduction
This meal is like the cool kid at the vegan dinner table—comforting but with a twist that keeps your taste buds on their toes.
Think smoky, spicy, and just the right amount of cheesy (without any actual cheese, because we’re keeping it dairy-free, thank you very much).
It’s perfect for when you want to impress yourself—or your friends—with something that tastes like you spent hours slaving away, but really, you just nailed the plant-based hustle. Nutritional benefits of this dish will not only satisfy your cravings but also keep you on track with your vegan lifestyle.
Ready to turn tempeh into your new best friend? Let’s plunge into it, and yes, your taste buds will thank you later.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 8oz package 3 grain tempeh
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon liquid amino acids (we use Bragg’s) (umami magic)
- 1 ½ teaspoons fennel seeds
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon celery seed
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Dashes liquid smoke (smoky vibes)
- 1 clove garlic-minced
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup corn meal
- 2 pinches crushed black peppercorns
- 3 tablespoons nutritional yeast (cheesy goodness)
- 1/4 cup white wine
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons liquid amino acids (we use Bragg’s)
- 1 large red onion, diced small
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped into bite sized pieces
- 1 cup raw baby spinach leaves
- 5 large fresh basil leaves, cut small
This ingredient list is like a plant-powered party in your kitchen, combining smoky, savory, and cheesy flavors without a single animal in sight. Whether you’re vegan, flexitarian, or just curious, these ingredients bring a hearty punch with every bite — perfect for those who love a little sass in their sausage! Additionally, tempeh is a fermented soy product that enhances digestion and nutrient absorption, making it a nutritious choice for your meals. Get ready to tempeh your taste buds!
How to Make It
Alright, let’s bring that 8-ounce package of three-grain tempeh to life and turn it into some seriously tasty tempeh sausage. Crumble the tempeh into a big bowl—think of it as giving it a little pep talk to get ready for flavor town. Toss in a tablespoon plus a teaspoon of liquid amino acids (Bragg’s is our go-to), 1 ½ teaspoons of fennel seeds, a pinch of freshly ground black peppercorns, and a teaspoon of red pepper flakes to kick things up a notch.
Then, sprinkle 1 ½ teaspoons of Italian seasoning, ¼ teaspoon celery seed, and half a teaspoon smoked paprika to give it that smoky, herby edge. Don’t forget a few dashes of liquid smoke—because why not add a little campfire magic? Stir in one minced clove of garlic, and let all those flavors mingle like they’re at a plant-based party.
While that tempeh is soaking up all those good vibes, it’s time to get cozy with your polenta. Pour 4 cups of water into a saucepan with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, then slowly whisk in 1 cup of cornmeal. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, but we’re not done yet.
Add two pinches of crushed black peppercorns and three tablespoons of nutritional yeast to bring in that cheesy, vegan-approved umami punch. Keep stirring until it thickens up, and you’re left with a creamy, dreamy base that’s begging to be topped with your spicy tempeh sausage and those juicy heirloom tomatoes. Trust me, this combo makes for one heck of a plant-powered meal that even your carnivore friends might sneak a bite of. Additionally, having an organized vegan pantry will help ensure you have all these essential ingredients on hand for future culinary adventures.
Bonus Tips
- Crank up the red pepper flakes if you like your tempeh sausage with a bit more sass—spicy plants for the win!
- Swap out the white wine for a splash of apple cider vinegar if you’re feeling fancy but alcohol-free—your taste buds won’t even notice.
- Want to impress your basil? Toast it lightly before chopping to release some herbal swagger.
Why You’ll Love It
This tempeh sausage recipe is like a flavor party where plant-based protein gets to dance with smoky spices and sassy seasonings.
It’s speedy enough to whip up on a weeknight but fancy enough to impress your non-vegan pals without them even noticing there’s no meat in sight.
Plus, it’s super flexible—feel free to swap in your favorite herbs or crank up the heat if you’re feeling spicy.
Seriously, it’s the kind of recipe that makes you wonder why everyone hasn’t gone vegan sausage crazy yet!
Nutritional Info
These are estimated values.
Calories: 180
Protein: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fat: 10 g
Nutrition estimates are provided for vibe-check purposes only — they aren’t legally binding promises of eternal health or six-pack abs.
