Vegan BLT (…minus that egg) with Chipotle Tahini “Mayo”.
Meet my new all time favorite sandwich.
It may be totally vegan (…well…it can be…), but this sandwich is honestly amazing, with so much flavor!
Even my family agreed, this sandwich KILLS it. Ok, not any of the brothers, but the parents more than approved. Although, I’m sure if Brendan had been around when I made this sandwich he would have totally agreed, this sandwich tops all others. And please, true BLT lovers, do not hate me for this. You have to understand that this sandwich is not meant to replace the classic.
Honestly, I would not have even called this a BLT, but then I just couldn’t think of a better name to describe it. It’s just like a BLT, but minus the bacon and + the most awesome crispy coconut. Some people call it coconut bacon, but I don’t know if I can do that. It just seems, well weird, you know??
I mean, bacon is bacon…it comes from a pig…it’s bacon.
But coconut?? It’s just not bacon…but it is still INCREDIBLE. Personally, I would eat this salty, sweet and slightly smoky coconut over real bacon any day, but I have never been one of those crazed bacon lovers like some people (AKA all my brothers, yeah, and pretty much all the guys I know…except my dad, but even he still likes it!).
And since we are on the subject of fake-ish bacon, have you guys read about this seaweed bacon?? I mean, what?!?! It’s all over the internet and you know, I’m not so sure about it. Seaweed bacon??? Huh?? I’ll try it of course, but I’m definitely skeptical. Thoughts? Comments?
Anyway, this sandwich, BLT or whatever you want to call it, is something you just gotta make. It’s healthy, colorful and seriously SO good.
And it’s also easy to make, that right there is a pretty big bonus, easy AND delicious!!
SIDENOTE: I was hiking Saturday and someone recognized me from the blog. WEIRDEST thing ever….but totally cool!!
As for what is actually in the “coconut bacon” it’s just a simple mix of pure maple, soy sauce or tamari, coconut oil and apple cider vinegar or liquid smoke. I used apple cider vinegar because the idea of the liquid smoke creeps me out a little + I cannot find a good brand in my grocery store. So apple cider it was, I thought it worked great, but if you are into it, go ahead and try the liquid smoke!
Ok and the mayo?? Well, it is not really mayo, but I swear it’s better, and it’s what I will be using in place of mayo from here on out. Mayo has never been my favorite, so I am loving this alternative. It’s just tahini (sesame seed paste) mixed with chipotle chile peppers, but it’s the best sauce. And it is actually super healthy too. Soooo…you can REALLY lather it on.
And the rest is all the basic BLT stuff. Heirloom tomatoes (the best, I will be so sad when they are gone), lettuce (I actually used dandelion greens from my yard) and umm an egg because I cannot do a BLT without an egg. I just can’t.
Oh, and if you are not vegan, I HIGHLY recommend adding a slice or two of brie to the bottom piece of bread and then melting it under the broiler before adding your lettuce + tomatoes + coconut. I maybe did this after the photos and it was maybe completely the best decision I ever made.
Dramatic much? Yes…but it is so true. DO IT.
Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Vegan BLT (...minus that egg) with Chipotle Tahini "Mayo".
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Sandwiches
Cuisine: American
Keyword: BLT, chipotle, tahini
Meet my new all time favorite sandwich.
Ingredients
Smoky Coconut Bacon
- 2 1/2 cups unsweetened flaked coconut
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil melted
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce or tamari
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or liquid smoke*
Chipotle Tahini "Mayo"
- 1/2 cup tahini sesame seed paste
- 1 in chipotle chili adobo minced + 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
- juice from 1/2 a lemon
- salt and pepper to taste
BLT
- 4 slices crusty sourdough bread use gluten free if needed
- 1-2 cups dark lettuce or dandelion greens
- 2 heirloom tomatoes sliced
- olive oil for drizzling
- salt + pepper to taste
- 2 fried eggs + maybe some brie?? optional
Instructions
Smoky Coconut Bacon
-
Pre heat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Line a baking sheet with parchment. On the baking sheet, combine the coconut, coconut oil, maple syrup, soy sauce and apple cider vinegar (or liquid smoke). Toss well to combine, making sure the coconut is well moistened.
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Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, stirring half way through cooking. The "bacon" is done when the coconut is light golden and toasted, be careful not to burn the coconut!! Allow to completely cool and then store for up to one week in a sealed bag or glass jar.
Chipotle Tahini "Mayo"
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In a bowl, whisk together the tahini, chipotle chili pepper, adobo sauce (from the chipotle chili pepper can), lemon juice and a pinch of salt + pepper. Whisk until smooth and then thin with a little water if needed. Store in the fridge until ready to use.
BLT
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Lightly toast the bread in a toaster or under the broiler or on the grill. Spread a little chipotle "mayo" over two slices of bread. Divide the lettuce over the two bottom slices of bread (the ones with the "mayo"). Add the tomato slices, drizzle the tomatoes with a little olive oil + a sprinkle of salt + pepper. Add the coconut bacon. Place an egg over the coconut bacon and sprinkle with salt and pepper (if using). Spread the top slice of bread with "mayo" and place on the sandwich. Serve with extra "mayo" if desired. EAT. Right away!
Recipe Notes
*Liquid smoke can be found in most major grocery stores, but the ones in my grocery store have a ton of weird ingredients. I just used apple cider vinegar, but liquid smoke will give the bacon a nice smoky flavor.
I can’t even, I mean, it’s too good. I mean, just MAKE IT – it’s a great way to start your week off.
that seaweed bacon sounds kind of scary (and this is coming from a person who loves seaweed and could eat the mini seasoned packs for days). but maybe it’s like the coconut- not really bacon-y, just super flavorful and crunchy.
When I first saw the picture I thought I saw potato chips on it not coconut.
I’m not a coconut person so I’m making mine with potato chips
OK this is not fine dining just a bad habit learned in grade school.
Oh my gush, that sandwich!!! I am not usually a sandwich lover, and almost skipped the post when I saw BLT world, but WOW, I am so craving this!! This is just gorgeous!
He do you pick your dandelions? That’s the little yellow flower my TrueGreen guy fights with every spring to kill, right? Do you prep it at all, or just put the leaves as is on the sandwich?
This sandwich is the ULTIMATE. I mean, tahini mayo!? WHAT! I just discovered tahini, and now I want to put it on ALL the things….like this sandwich. And that egg. UGH, so perfect. Pinned!
Yummmm! I think you’re concept of vegan “bacon” is brilliant and now I totally want to try it for my vegetarian friends! Pinning!
I just had lunch. But now I wanna eat again. THis is the power of your photos, and it’s really noooot fair!!! Yet, please do not stop doing what it is you do in these images, my mind gets all creative like just from seeing them!!
http://bloglairdutemps.blogspot.pt/
I need to make this…like, yesterday. AHHHHHH!
I thought it said minus the egg???? For to eat it it would have to be eggless. HA!! They do gross me out.
Total awesomeness !!! This can only be the BEST sandwich EVER !!! I can just see the egg trickling down my chin …. 🙂 pinned !!!
Delicious–but even so, that egg looks amaaaaaazing with the yolk porn!
This definitely looks like the sandwich of ALL sandwiches Tieghan! I love coconut and I love bacon so why not together!? I’m in!!
I am so excited for this!! Your blog has been my go to for yummy meals for quite a while now. I recently switched to a vegan diet and loving it but miss some of your classics, bring on more of these please 😉 This will be happening this week, THANKS!
Oh man, this sounds amazing! I’ve never tried coconut bacon, or an egg inside a sandwich, for that matter, so I suppose I have some food adventures to go on! Can’t wait to try this!
xx Sydney
I can totally vouch for coconut bacon—it’s freakin amazing. This BLT looks AMAZING Tieghan—I’ll take twelve!
I’ve tried seaweed bacon! I have the same feelings you have about coconut bacon… it’s good but bacon is bacon!! Ya know? I agreed with you parents, you KILLED this sandwich. End of story. Pinned!
What a beautiful sandwich! I have wanted to try that coconut bacon for a while. I think now might be the time. Looks great!
Tieghan,
Do not be afraid! Seaweed bacon coming out of Oregon State University just might be what the doctor ordered! Can you tell I’m a proud alum? Love your photos and recipes! You young genius you!
I actually just read about dulse (seaweed bacon) yesterday! They said it tastes exactly like bacon but costs $60/pound or something. I’ll stick with this delicious coconut bacon for now, thanks. 😉
oh my…this looks SO good!! wish we could have it as a late dinner now 😀 <3
Haha! THANKS!! Hope you guys had a great Monday!
What a killer looking sandwich, those tomatoes are the prettiest!
what the heckkkkkk! I need this in my mouth STAT :O
Looks amazing of course! Coconut bacon is so good- if you don’t have liquid smoke, smoked paprika and/or smoked sea salt gives the best smoky flavor
Um, haha, wow. I’m speechless. This gorgeous sandwich has rendered me speechless. Gonna be hard to shove it in my tho! 🙂 This looks so, so good!
Geez, that looks amazing. My stomach is growling and everything. I don’t even care how much yolk would be dripping down my chin! I’m not sure what to about think about bacon seaweed either. Kinda weird.
Weird…but YUM. So much sandwich inspiration for my next posts…
I like the idea of smoked coconut, but I think I will make mine in my smoker – no liquid smoke or vinegar, but authentic smoked coconut.! Thanks.
Oh that would be awesome!! 🙂
Wow, this sandwich looks amazing, and such wonderful photography too! I’ve heard of that coconut “bacon”, and I’m with ya. Can’t call it bacon necessarily, but it sure looks delicious!!
Love your site, so much to see. The recipes look amazing and can’t wait to try this sandwich!
Dear Tiegan, the smoked coconut is a brilliant touch…I would love to sink my teeth into this BLT! Gorgeous shots as always. xo, Catherine
We’ve been reading your blog for what feels like forever, and your recipes always impress. I moved to Colorado from NY last year and after a few months I saw something saying where you are… If I ever see you on a trail I’ll try to not freak you out! We love your work so much that it’ll be hard to contain myself 🙂
Anyway, can’t wait to try this sandwich. I’ve had a similar “CLT” at vegan restaurants but I can’t recall seeing chipotle tahini “mayo” anywhere else! Awesome idea!
haha! What part of CO are you in? Happy new Year! 🙂
I’m near Boulder but have friends in Summit County! I was there 5 or 6 times last year and hope to do some backpacking there this summer 🙂 Definitely one of the most amazing places on Earth.
All the best for 2016!!
I just made these for my family for lunch! I added the Brie and the egg… And real bacon which went awesome with the coconut bacon! It was delicious! ?? Thank you for the amazing recipe!
SOUND AMAZING!! Thank you!!