Pub food isn't usually vegan-friendly -- buffalo wings, sliders and cheese sticks just aren't on the vegan menu. But savvy vegans know exactly how to achieve the yummy taste of pub food without eating something they shouldn't.
YouTube channel S'wonderfully Vegan presents this recipe for yummy "bacon cheese fries" as the first installment of its Pub Food series. Watch the video for visual instructions and be ready to make even your carnivore (okay, omnivore) friends drool!
Vegan cheese fries and bacon
Preparation Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours, 30 minutes
Serves: 4-6
IngredientsVegan Bacon Bits1 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon Himalayan salt
2 cups unsweetened coconut chips (flaked coconut)
Vegan Cheese1 cup cashews, soaked overnight in water
3 cups filtered water
2 cups cooked butternut squash or pumpkin, cooled
2 pimientos
1/2 cup unsweetened vegan yogurt
2 fresh onions, chopped
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
5 tablespoons tapioca flour
3 tablespoons Himalayan salt
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
2 cloves garlic (optional)
1 tablespoon onion powder (optional)
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 cup maple syrup
Potato Wedges4-6 Yukon Gold potatoes, washed and cut into wedges
olive oil, to taste
oregano, to taste
salt, to taste
Directions1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (150 degrees Celsius).
2. Whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup, paprika and salt.
3. Add coconut and stir to ensure that the liquid soaks in. Allow to marinate for 5-10 minutes.
4. Drain coconut chips over a paper towel, then transfer to parchment paper in a baking tray.
5. Bake for 15 minutes, turning occasionally, until "bacon" is crispy and dark in color. Remove and set aside.
6. Put soaked cashews and water in blender and blend until smooth.
7. Add all other "cheese" ingredients and blend until creamy.
8. Transfer to saucepan and cook on low to medium heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is thick and gooey like cheese, about ten minutes. Set aside.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (180 degrees Celsius).
10. Put potato wedges in cold water for 10 minutes. Drain.
11. Coat wedges with oil and spices to taste.
12. Bake on baking sheet until golden brown and crispy, about 40 minutes.
13. Put potatoes onto plate or serving dish and top with cheese, then bacon. Additional topping suggestions include: chopped spring onions, vegan sour cream and vegan yogurt.
Feel free to add more spice to the cheese, if heat is your thing. Likewise, the spices for the fries can be changed to whatever suits your fancy -- try smoked paprika, black pepper, or garlic powder in any combination.
