Hello friends,
While I am away on holiday over the next few weeks, I will continue to post recipes just not full articles. Enjoy!
One thing I love about being in America are the amazing sandwiches you can get just about anywhere. On our California honeymoon I ate my fair share, and although Kauai seems rather far away from the mainland, there are health food stores selling amazing things between two slices of bread all over this island. Hoorah!
The other thing I love about America is the accessibility to foods like tempeh. Very hard to come by in Denmark, tempeh is a staple of my diet when I spend summers back home in Canada. Tempeh is a fermented soy “cake” that is super high in protein, phytonutrients, and minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, and copper. Although it may sound a little strange, I assure you that tempeh is delicious, and a fabulous food to supplement any diet whether you are vegetarian or not. I will also emphasize that I do not eat any non-fermented soy foods, such as tofu, but tempeh is high on my love list because it is highly digestible. If you have never tried tempeh before, this amazing sandwich would be a great way to give it a shot.
I should mention that this sandwich was a last-minute addition to my travel food picnic basket. It kept really well for a few hours until the combination of temptation and sheer airplane boredom took hold. The sandwich is incredibly delicious. Spicy, smoky, tangy, juicy and crunchy – it really has it all going on. The pesto is a wonderful thing to make and have on hand in the fridge to perk up other kinds of sandwiches, or pastas, eggs, grain salads or roasted veggies. And the tempeh can be saved for more than just a sandwich. Try it crumbled up in a salad, or even served on the side of a savory breakfast.
Smoky Tempeh Sandwich with Sundried Tomato Pesto
Makes 1 sandwich
2 slices wholegrain sourdough bread
a few slices Smoky Tempeh
a generous slather of Sundried Tomato Pesto
¼ – ½ ripe avocado
plenty of salad greens (spinach, butter lettuce, arugula etc.)
cracked black pepper
Smoky Tempeh
Ingredients:
1 package tempeh 7oz. / 200g
1 Tbsp tamari
1 Tbsp. maple syrup
1 tsp. melted coconut oil or ghee
1 tsp. smoked hot paprika or ground chipotle
Directions:
1. Slice the tempeh into slabs or long strips, depending on the shape of your block of tempeh.
2. In an oven-proof dish whisk together all other ingredients. Place the tempeh in a single layer covering the bottom of the dish, then flip each piece so that it is coated with the marinade on both sides.
3. Place in a 375°F / 190°C oven for 20-30 minutes until the tempeh has absorbed the marinade. Remove from oven and let cool until you are ready to make your sandwiches.
Sundried Tomato Pesto
Makes about 1 cup
Ingredients:
1/3 cup / 50g organic sundried tomatoes
2/3 cup / 150ml hot water
½ cup / 65 g pumpkin seeds
1 clove garlic
2 Tbsp. cold-pressed olive oil
salt to taste, if desired
1 tsp. raw honey (or maple syrup) if desired
Directions:
1. Place the tomatoes in a bowl and cover with just-boiled water. Let soak until soft, about 30 minutes.
2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, lightly toast the pumpkin seeds until they puff up and smell nutty. Be careful not to burn them! If you want a completely raw pesto, skip this step or soak the seeds overnight to activate them.
3. Drain the tomatoes through a strainer over another bowl to catch the water – you need to save the liquid for the pesto as it contains many nutrients and tons of flavour.
4. In a food processor, pulse peeled garlic to mince. Add all other ingredients, except salt and sweetener, and blend on high until smooth. Taste for seasoning and add salt or sweetener if desired. Store in a tightly sealed glass container in the fridge for up to one week. Enjoy on sandwiches, with eggs, on pasta, or as a dressing on grain salads and fresh veggies.
To Assemble:
1. Toast bread if desired.
2. Slater one half of the bread with Sundried Tomato Pesto. Place sliced avocado on top of the pesto, followed by tempeh and greens. Serve immediately and enjoy, or wrap up for a picnic later in the day.
The best sandwich ever!!!!
Thank you so much.
I did add two Meyer lemons to marinate the tempeh just because I thought it would be good , and I liked it.
The pesto was out of this world.
Thanks again for this magnificent recipe.
What a delight to read! Thank you, Catalina! <3
I have not made the tempeh yet, but it is on my ‘to-do’ list, as I am such a big fan. 🙂
Just loooved the sundried tomato pesto, it goes with absolutely everything!
Thank you Sarah! 🙂
I like this web site because so much useful material on here : Blog Happy.
So delicious! I used the leftover sun dried tomato pesto for pasta and it was amazing as well
Hey Kalia,
Mmmm that sounds amazing! Great idea! Thanks for sharing.
Hugs,
Sarah B
I have to say I was very excited about this recipe. However it ended up being a huge waste of food because the tamari is way to salty and Tempeh is usually sold with a bit of salt it in… the double whammy was WAY to much salt. I wished I had known that before marinating it and I would have used a more water (no salt) base marinade. Other than that Im sure this would have been excellent. I look forward to trying it in the future without tamari. Also take the heads up from me, and I love salt, its way to salty 🙂
This tempeh is amazing as the toast in avocado toast with or without the sundries tomato pesto!
I want to try all of these recipes.. .I already love smoky tempeh and am glad to have found a recipe. Lightlife makes a good version called smoky tempeh strips if you are in a hurry ?
Any plans to post a homemade tempeh recipe? Or have a favorite yoh can direct me to?
Lightlife tempeh strips is my go to
I love this recipe, I made the sandwich at first and found out that the sundried tomato pesto is great for dipping and spreading on just about anything, so now I make the components separately without the bread and just eat them as is. It’s so versatile. The marinated tempeh makes a great breakfast, and the whole thing lends itself to a salad really well too.
Would the sundried tomato pesto freeze well?
OMG just made this and it was soooooooo good!!!!!!!
this good idea.
Smoky tempeh – delicious!! Thanks for sharing lovely lady.
Oh my, this was one tasty sammich! Cant wait to make it again …
I just made this tonight and followed it exactly but the pesto wouldn’t work for me. I’ve made many if your recipes before without any issues so I know it’s not the recipe at all, just not use where I’ve gone wrong. It was quite runny and tasted more like pumpkin seeds and garlic than sun dried tomatoes and it was nowhere near as red 🙁 I always triple check measurements when using a recipe first time so I know it wasn’t that. The only difference is my tomatoes weren’t organic. Surely that wouldn’t make such a difference?
Sarah,
This was one of my favorite recipes of yours thus far. It was so simple and yet so delicious. The temeph marinade was perfection and the sandwich combination was divine. I find it so hard to make a good vegan/sandwich and sandwiches are one of the only things I miss about eating meat. This will be my new go to! Thank you!
Throughout the great scheme of things you secure an A with regard to hard work. Where exactly you actually lost me ended up being in all the facts. As as the maxim goes, the devil is in the details… And that couldn’t be much more accurate in this article. Having said that, allow me tell you just what did work. Your article (parts of it) can be very powerful which is probably the reason why I am making the effort to comment. I do not really make it a regular habit of doing that. Secondly, even though I can certainly notice the jumps in logic you come up with, I am definitely not certain of exactly how you seem to unite the ideas which produce the conclusion. For now I will yield to your point but hope in the foreseeable future you actually connect your facts better.
Hello to every one, the contents present at this web site are actually
amazing for people experience, well, keep up the nice work fellows.
I do consider all the ideas you have offered on your post.
They are really convincing and can definitely work.
Nonetheless, the posts are too quick for beginners.
May just you please lengthen them a little from next time?
Thanks for the post.
Bardzo dobry artykuł, aż chce się czytać dalej
Dokładnie dla takich artykułów lubię czytać tego bloga!
Tarrin // Jun 25, 2010 at 5:04 pm 3
Anand got mad with The Nation today (Fri) as he found the paper put profile of his committee’s members in different way he dictated to media. He released Chaianant’s tag as educator but The Nation put it principal of Wachirawut School. He put Seksan as ex-student leader but the paper wrote he was a former dean of Thammasat’s Political Science Faculty. I don’t know why he was angry with that but he tried to explian that he picked up these people in accordance with their qualification, rather than their positions or official titles. But I think the point is that Anand tried to dictate media to control public opinion.
I always spent my half an hour to read this website’s content daily along
with a mug of coffee.
I don’t see any need to choose sides here: the NGO law will certainly be used to silence critics of the regime, some of which do find homes in NGOs, and the most radical of which would never be able to complete the stringent new registration requirements. The regime will never reform itself in a participatory fashion (what regime does?), but NGOs have had little sway on government policy thus far anyway, so I fail to see a real threat here. Similarly, the NGO sector as a sector is a mess, full of predatory experts living high on the hog in Cambodia in a way they never could at home, all the while patting themselves on the back for doing well by doing good,’ when in fact they are only doing the former.
I like this web site because so much useful material on here : Blog Happy.
I was recommended this web site by means of my cousin. I’m now not certain whether or not this put up is written by way of him as no one else recognize such detailed about my trouble. You’re incredible! Thank you!
After looking into a number of the blog articles on your web site, I really like your technique of writing a blog. I added it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Take a look at my web site as well and let me know what you think.
Good information. Lucky me I discovered your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved it for later!
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on blogs I stumbleupon on a daily basis. It will always be helpful to read through content from other writers and practice a little something from other websites.
Good post. I learn something totally new and challenging on sites I stumbleupon everyday. It’s always useful to read through content from other writers and use a little something from other sites.
Aw, this was an extremely good post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a good article… but what can I say… I put things off a lot and never seem to get anything done.
It’s hard to find educated people on this subject, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks
Good information. Lucky me I discovered your website by chance (stumbleupon). I’ve bookmarked it for later!
I really like it when folks come together and share ideas. Great website, continue the good work!
I need to to thank you for this wonderful read!! I certainly enjoyed every little bit of it. I have you saved as a favorite to check out new things you post…
Hi there! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this article reminds me of my previous roommate! He always kept talking about this. I will send this article to him. Pretty sure he’ll have a great read. Many thanks for sharing!
Greetings! Very useful advice in this particular article! It’s the little changes that produce the largest changes. Thanks for sharing!
An outstanding share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who was doing a little research on this. And he actually ordered me dinner because I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanx for spending some time to discuss this subject here on your web site.
I would like to thank you for the efforts you’ve put in writing this website. I really hope to view the same high-grade blog posts from you in the future as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has encouraged me to get my own site now 😉
Your style is very unique in comparison to other people I’ve read stuff from. I appreciate you for posting when you have the opportunity, Guess I’ll just bookmark this blog.
I enjoy looking through an article that can make people think. Also, thanks for allowing for me to comment!
This website was… how do you say it? Relevant!! Finally I have found something that helped me. Thank you!
I’m excited to uncover this page. I wanted to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!! I definitely liked every bit of it and I have you saved to fav to look at new things on your web site.
Good blog you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find excellent writing like yours nowadays. I truly appreciate people like you! Take care!!
There is certainly a lot to know about this issue. I really like all the points you made.
VisitBrowse myour internet site you’ll findlocate all of the preciouswonderful bagspurses online with 100% satisfaction guaranteed. Remarkable .. I have joined your rss feed and appear forward to within the hunt for extra of the exceptional post.
I reveal many of your views in this report. Please make it as factual as achievable and include a quick bio of yourself as well as a link to your website in the end.
Hi there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for the excellent info you have got here on this post. I am coming back to your website for more soon.
You’re so awesome! I do not think I’ve read through a single thing like that before. So good to discover someone with original thoughts on this subject. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is one thing that is needed on the web, someone with a little originality!
You have made some decent points there. I checked on the net for more information about the issue and found most individuals will go along with your views on this website.
WONDERFUL Post.thanks for share..extra wait ..
Simply want to say your article is as astonishing. The
clarity in your post is just great and i can assume you’re an expert on this subject.
Well with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
Thanks a million and please carry on the enjoyable work.
Addendum to my earlier comment ;
I’ve been sneaking tempeh into my chili as a meat replacement and my 4 boys have yet to notice! Score!
This was absolutely incredible! I find tempeh is really expensive where I am from as it’s only available in the organic foods store but it was so so worth it for this, so good and perfect for my friend who is allergic to nuts as the pesto is nut-free! love your blog so much
I’ve been browsing on-line more than three hours as of late, but I never discovered any interesting article like yours. Itˇs beautiful value sufficient for me. Personally, if all website owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net will be much more useful than ever before.
I just made this and it was amazing! thank you dear Sarah!
The marinade used for the tempeh has quickly become one of my all time favorites. Thank you so very much.
I made this and I liked it. My tempeh turned out a bit bitter tasting, but otherwise it was good. I’m thinking about using chickpeas instead of pumpkinseeds for the pesto next time, making it a sort of hummus.
Really delicious!
Just finished for dinner my partner and my little baby!
Indeed we enjoyed!!!
Thanks for sharing!
Kisses
I really love your blog.. Pleasant colors & theme. Did
you create this amazing site yourself? Please reply back
as I’m hoping to create my own personal blog and would love to learn where you got this from or exactly what the theme is named. Thank you!
I made this for myself and a visiting friend and we absolutely loved it! Followed the recipe to a “T” (except I used a combination of paprika and chili powder for the tempeh marinade) and it the flavor combinations were to die for!! Thank you so much for the wonderful recipe(s)!
I just made this recipe! Was really easy. I opted for the toasted nuts, honey and salt in the pesto. To top it all off I went to our local 100 year old artisanal bakery and got some beautiful sourdough. I will definitely make this again. Great recipe Sarah.
* Ami from Byron Bay Australia <3
no tempeh in the house, but the picture was so tempting, I made the sandwich with marinated and baked tofu. Basil instead of salad greens. Delish!
I have got smoky tofu waiting for my inspiration in the fridge, I know what I will make!
hello there dear gourmet-angel:-))) the pesto is such an yummy threat on a piece of bread with some avocado slices! made it last weekend and as advised by you I kept the soaking water of the tomatoes (which was used afterwards for a great risotto), you rock:-))) happy sunny+smily week from tulipland!
PS: I got the tempeh too (happy to be able to find it here in the organic supermarkets or in the Asian ones), making the (whole) sandwich for the coming weekend, when I have friends visit for flower-fields-sightseeing!uuuuupie:-)
Absolutely delicious sandwich. Thanks for the great recipe!
just tailored it for lunch and found something to do with those dried toms in the cupboard at last. lovely xx
I made a measurment mistake with the tempeh marinade and made 3 times the amount! So I baked the tempeh pretty immersed in the marinade for 12 minutes, then took it out put it on a baking sheet with grapeseed oil and baked it another 12 minutes, turned out great and now I have more marinade left over! My carnivorous family loved the smell…converts?
I was just craving some sun dried tomato pesto and gave this recipe a whirl today, minus the sweetener but plus a dash of balsamic, and it was great. Smeared on a homemade buckwheat flatbread (I call it pizza just because I can!) with some broccoli, artichokes, spinach and roasted red peppers. I’ll give the tempeh a try next!
Tried this today for lunch and it was a big hit (for me, that is) 🙂 Tom
Thank you for this great recipe, I’ve tried it too and it was a big hit! We loved it and sure enough we’re going to repeat it 😉 Have an awesome day!
hmmm! you sure have a great taste in food. Thanks for the fabulous recipe. I’ve never tried tempeh. I think it’s high time to go for it 🙂
your blog is very inspirational – will be visiting it often now <3
I made this to day and even my kids loved it. So thats a big compliment.
How have I not found your website before today? I’m in food heaven! Keep it coming!
I have never had tempeh, but after reading this blog post I might just have to try it.
I really enjoy reading your blog!
//Susann Romy
Enjoy your vacation and all the natural beauty and pure food that surrounds you.
Just wondering what the difference is using hot water vs. room temp when making the tomato pesto?
-tania
Hi Sarah,
The tomato pesto goes very well with salmon as well. I have tried it and I love it. 🙂
Ed
I have been craving sundried tomato pesto for a long time. Can’t wait for those summer fruits and vegetables!!! I comfort myself with tapenade (olive paste) in the meantime.
I think I’ll have that for lunch tomorrow! Looks so good!
Oh Sarah words cannot describe how grateful & happy we are ( we = my belly and I ) for your magical recipes! They all turn out great at the first try and every time I think to myself: I got a new favourite – but then you come up with something new and this turns into the most desired and so on…! You are beyond wonderful & talented, and everytime I am taking a bite of one of yours I am smiling. Cannot wait to finally meet you & thank you in person in Amsterdam! This pesto – on bread, nothing left to say!
Check out our website for our easy method for making tempeh at home.
makethebesttempeh.org
We have people in Sweden, England and Germany, that we know of, making the best tempeh using our method.
We produced Betsy’s Tempeh in Michigan for 9 1/2 years and customers loved our tempeh that was similar to the tempeh eaten in Indonesia.
Feel free to write with questions/comments.
Betsy Shipley
This sandwich certainly puts boring sandwiches everywhere in their place! I love the flavour combinations you came up with here.
Because tempeh is quite difficult to find here in Germany as well, I wonder if you have any experience making it from scratch? No rush to answer (enjoy Paradise!), but after a quick search it seems to be quite a lengthy process and I’m not sure if I would have any more luck finding soy beans. That said, I’m curious if you’ve made it and if you have any tips to pass on.
Such a great combination of flavors. I’m gonna try making this. How long can I keep it outside specially with avocados?
Lovely, I have been meaning to buy some tempeh for the family but haven’t had much luck with making it taste good. This smoky flavours sounds perfect. Happy holidays 🙂
Wowie Sarah B.! I can’t wait to try this : ) I LOVE every ingredient in this sandwich, and the bread looks super tasty. Keep having fun in Hawaii!
I absolutely love your blog and have been reading for quite a while now:) I love that I can take your recipes and sometimes just tweak the flour used(I have children with food allergies, one of them being wheat, so I normally switch spelt out with oat and quinoa flour) and make them an awesome dessert without refined sugar it it. Their birthday cakes have become awesome from your recipes:) dairy being one allergy as well we have never used cows milk and used soy for a little bit but then heard things about estrogen and that kind of stuff about soy…I also hear that about 98% of soy is GMO too…so I also would love to hear your thoughts about different types of soy. I would love to be able to add a new thing in my children’s limited diet:) thanks so much! Enjoy your vacation!
Hey, hope you found Papaya’s (health food store) and Mermaid’s on Kauai Sarah! I love Kauai — going there in two weeks!!!
I can’t wait to try it. I have all the ingredients at home too !
This one looks like a keeper. Thanks.
another zinger!!! this Canadian gal has a nice little stash of tempeh in the freezer.. waiting for this sandwich recipe!! i am so totally pumped to try this!! i have everything at home to make it!! thanks SO much sarah b. .. Aloha! xx
I am so freaking into this! Awesome idea!
I’m just wondering why you don’t eat tofu, Sarah?
I am dyyyyying at how beautiful this sandwich is. Just wanna smash my head in it.
Hi, I’m curious why you avoid tofu? Could you elaborate on that? Thanks!
Lucky the american, then! Here in Italy not only it’s not easy to find, you have to go in little organic food shops, but it’s reaally expensive! That’s why I’ve eaten it only twice, although i’d really enjoy it 🙁
This sandwich is amazing!
I hope things will be changing…
bye:)
I haven’t tasted tempeh, this is all news to me! Sandwich looks fab
Smoky tempeh – delicious!! Thanks for sharing lovely lady.
Sarah–
A mouth-watering and inspiration post as usual 🙂 I was just talking to my (very non-vegetarian, anti-healthy-food) father about tempeh today, and was trying to explain why fermented soy products were more healthful, or perhaps less dodgy, than non-fermented ones. If you ever felt the desire to share them, I would love to hear your thoughts on this issue–either in post form or otherwise!
Happy vacation!
Sara
I grew up on tempeh in Asia, and was thrilled to find that the ethnic groceries here in the Netherlands stock it, and for cheap! It is endlessly riffable — I love all the different flavours it can pull off.