Indulge in the delicious world of plant-based cuisine with this scrumptious and comforting dish, the Easy Vegan “Tuna” Melt. A perfect companion to your favorite soups, this sandwich offers a classic, creamy, and cheesy experience without any animal products. Crafted with care, it features fiber-packed chickpeas that remarkably mimic the taste of traditional canned tuna, while adding a nutty, hearty dimension to the flavor profile. In just 30 minutes and with a mere 9 readily available ingredients, you can create this culinary masterpiece that’s sure to satisfy your taste buds. Whether you’re a dedicated vegan or simply seeking a delightful twist on a timeless favorite, this recipe is a must-try.

Ingredients

• 1 batch of Easy Vegan Cheddar Cheese (or 4-8 slices of store-bought vegan cheese, such as Chao)
• 1 (15-oz.) can of chickpeas, thoroughly rinsed and drained
• 2 tablespoons of vegan mayonnaise (e.g., Follow Your Heart Vegenaise)
• 1 teaspoon of dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon each of sea salt and black pepper
• 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallot (or substitute with red onion)
• 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill pickles
• 8 slices of bread (any style, including gluten-free options)
• 4 tablespoons of vegan butter (for buttering the bread, e.g., Miyoko’s)

Instructions

1. If you plan to use the Easy Vegan Cheddar Cheese and haven’t already prepared it, start making it now. Then, get ready to assemble your sandwiches.
2. Begin by thoroughly rinsing and draining your chickpeas. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess liquid. Place the chickpeas in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the chickpeas, aiming for a texture that’s not overly smooth but lacks large pieces. This texture adds a delightful element to the sandwich.
4. To the mashed chickpeas, add the vegan mayonnaise, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, shallot, and pickles. Mix thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Taste and adjust the seasonings as needed, adding more mayonnaise for creaminess, dijon for brightness, or black pepper for a kick.
5. Heat a medium cast iron or non-stick skillet over medium heat.
6. While the skillet heats up, butter one side of each slice of bread.
7. Once the skillet is hot, place a slice of bread with the buttered side down in the pan. Carefully spread a semi-thick layer (about 3-4 tablespoons) of vegan cheddar cheese on the bread (or use a slice or two of store-bought vegan cheese). Top the cheese with a generous 1/3 cup of the vegan “tuna” mixture, spreading it evenly with a fork. Place another slice of bread, buttered side up, on top of the “tuna.”
8. Cook the sandwich over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, checking the underside of the bread to ensure it’s becoming nicely toasted. Once the bottom slice of bread achieves a golden hue, flip the sandwich. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes until both sides are crispy, golden brown, and the cheese is wonderfully melted and gooey. Covering the pan can help melt the cheese, and you can adjust the heat if it’s browning too quickly.
9. Repeat this process with the remaining slices of bread, cheese, and “tuna.” Then, savor the goodness!
10. These delectable sandwiches pair beautifully with soups or salads.
11. Best enjoyed fresh. The chickpea “tuna” can be prepared in advance and stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Note that it’s not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

• Serving: 1 sandwich
• Calories: 513
• Carbohydrates: 61.4 g
• Protein: 14.1 g
• Fat: 24.7 g
• Saturated Fat: 12.4 g
• Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.57 g
• Monounsaturated Fat: 0.32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Sodium: 864 mg
• Potassium: 310 mg
• Fiber: 13.8 g
• Sugar: 12.5 g
• Vitamin A: 30 IU
• Vitamin C: 0.4 mg
• Calcium: 70 mg
• Iron: 3.5 mg

Enjoy this savory, cheesy Vegan “Tuna” Melt, a quick and satisfying lunch option that pairs wonderfully with soups and salads. In just 30 minutes, you can create a delightful plant-based sandwich that’s sure to become a favorite in your repertoire.