Makin' Bakin! (New and Improved Easy Vegan Bacon Bits!)

Makin' Bakin! (New and Improved Easy Vegan Bacon Bits!)

Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Quick & Easy

Many moons ago I was challenged to make imitation bacon bits that don't have so many weird ingredients (you can read about it HERE) and that popular recipe ended up in my Veggie Burger book! Now, I have a new and improved version that I want to share with you here!

Yield: Just over 1 cup

1 cup dry TVP (textured vegetable protein) granules

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon chipotle powder or cayenne pepper*

1/4 teaspoon smoked or regular salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup boiling water

2 tablespoons oil

Additional salt and pepper to taste

*Options: You can leave out the chipotle/cayenne if you don't like it spicy. You can also add maple syrup and/or brown sugar if you like it sweet and smoky!

To make the bacon bits add the tvp and all the spices and liquid smoke to a heat-safe bowl. Pour 1 cup boiling water over it and stir to combine. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. 

Heat about 2 tablespoons of oil in a pan over medium-high heat. 

Transfer reconstituted TVP mixture to the pan and pan fry until browned. Constantly turning. You don't want it to burn, but you do want to cook out most of the moisture. It takes about 10 minutes. 

Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before packaging in an airtight container. 

A classic wedge salad with homemade bacon bits, tomatoes, and chives. And, of course, Follow Your Heart vegan bleu cheese crumbles! I know. Iceberg lettuce is so "void of nutrition," but you know what it's not void of? Cool, crisp crunch. I love iceberg in the summertime.