Why Using The Right Tools Is Essential For Homemade Vegan Bologna

With grocery prices on the rise, home cooks are increasingly embracing DIY projects in the kitchen. This includes making deli meats using affordable, animal-free ingredients. Enter vital wheat gluten, the building block of seitan, a coveted source of plant-powered protein that delivers a satisfying chewy texture reminiscent of animal-derived meat. This feature, along with the versatile canvas offered to absorb diverse flavors, makes seitan a suitable foundation for creating vegan deli meat dupes, including bologna.

When vital wheat gluten is combined with water to make the seitan for plant-based bologna, it develops a sticky consistency that can cling to porous surfaces. This is because the two main proteins of gluten, gliadin and glutenin, absorb water and become sticky and elastic. So, stay clear of plastic bowls and wooden utensils as the gluten-rich dough will stubbornly cling to their microscopic grooves and ridges. 

Instead, use a glass mixing bowl given its smooth, non-porous surface that helps prevent the gluey gluten mixture from adhering to it with gusto. For mixing, go for a silicone spatula, as it's flexible and its non-stick nature allows you to combine the ingredients without losing half of the final product to a porous utensil. Any stubborn strays that persist on your mixing bowl or spatula can do with a soak in hot water, which loosens any remaining residue for a hassle-free clean. This is something you want to avoid with wooden utensils, as they can become damaged when exposed to excess moisture. So, do your wallet a favor, and use the proper tools for your next batch of vegan bologna.

Now that you've avoided a chaotic kitchen with utensils that are easier to clean, it's time to savor the fruits of your labor. Customize your plant-based bologna with spices and seasonings to create variety in your plant-based meals. For those desiring a smokier profile, a dash of liquid smoke or a sprinkle of smoked paprika imparts added flavor to mimic a smoked meat experience. Relish a kick of heat? Mix in red pepper flakes, or even your favorite hot sauce to infuse your vegan bologna with mouthwatering spice. Your seasoned vegan bologna also makes a great addition to antipasti platters and charcuterie boards.

For sandwiches, thinly slice the vegan bologna and pair with your preferred condiments and fixings. Lightly pan-fry the thin slices till the edges develop a satisfying crisp while the center remains tender for added flavor. For some morning fuel, kickstart your day with an animal-free twist by giving your tofu scramble an extra protein boost with diced or sautéed vegan bologna, or pan fry with veggies for a savory hash.

Crumbled vegan bologna also makes an excellent protein addition to pasta sauces. Sauté and combine with a simple tomato sauce for a hearty, plant-based rendition of a simple bolognese that delivers on flavor, texture, and overall enjoyment without compromise. An added perk of plant-based bologna is unlike its animal-based counterparts, they are better suited to freeze and reheat for another day. So, here's your call to explore the umpteen possibilities when preparing plant-based bologna without the stressful clean-up to follow.