Charcuterie plates, traditionally reserved for cured meats and the like, are so in need of a shake-up. More specifically, a plant-based shake-up. So, here it goes…the cooler, hipper, healthier cousin to the meat-based charcuterie plate: the plant-based charcuterie board. This intensely flavorful beauty offers an abundance of colors and textures (way beyond cured meats). It’s also rich in fiber, protein, and vitamins (including A and C). Make this for a distinguished party appetizer or light and fancy snack. Cheers!

CHARCUTERIE BOARD

Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free 

Recipe by Jentry Lee Hull inspired by The Natural Gourmet Institute

 

Marinated Tofu Ingredients

•  10 oz. Extra Firm Sprouted Tofu (I used Wildwood Organic High Protein)

• ¼ cup fresh-squeezed lemon or orange juice

•   2 Tbsp. rice vinegar

• 2 Tbsp. chili sauce or Sriracha

• 1 Tbsp. tamari

•   1 tsp. garlic granules

Pickled Onion Ingredients

• 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

• 1 shallot or ¼ red onion, thinly sliced

• ¾ cup rice vinegar

• ¼ cup water

• 1 tsp. maple syrup

• pinch of pink Himalayan salt

• pinch red chili flakes

Roasted Balsamic Carrot Ingredients

• 6 large rainbow carrots, peeled and sliced into matchsticks

• 2 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (4% acidity is best)

• 1 tsp. olive oil, optional

• pinch of pink Himalayan salt

• freshly ground pepper

Shiitake Bacon Ingredients

• 1 lb. shiitake mushrooms, trimmed and thinly sliced

• 1 Tbsp. liquid smoke

• 2 Tbsp. olive oil

• 1 tsp. pink Himalayan salt

• pinch of freshly ground black pepper

Sautéed Shishito Pepper Ingredients

• 1 lb. Shishito peppers

• broth or water, for sautéing

• pinch of pink Himalayan salt

• pinch red chili flakes

Additional Items to serve

Sliced Chao Cheese (Coconut Herb), for something creamy

• Horseradish garnished with thyme and dill, for some fiery flare

• Olives (I used Castelvetrano), for spice and zing

• Crakers (I used Simple Mills Rosemary GF Crackers and Mary’s Gone Crackers)

Marinated Tofu Method

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Slice tofu and cut in half (on a diagonal) into triangles and transfer to a shallow, glass pyrex baking dish.

• Whisk together marinade ingredients and pour over tofu.

• Turn tofu to coat and set aside for 10-15 minutes.

• Once marinated, bake at 375 degrees F for 30 minutes, turning halfway through to brown on both sides, or until crisp around the edges.

Pickled Onion Method

  • In a mason jar, whisk together rice vinegar, water, maple syrup, salt and pepper flakes.
  • Add sliced onions, stir, cover and let set for about an hour or more.

Roasted Balsamic Carrot Method

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.

• Peel and slice carrots, toss in a large bowl with balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper.

• Transfer to lined baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through to brown on both sides, or until crisp around the edges.

Shiitake Bacon Method

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

• Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.

• Trim and slice mushrooms, toss in a mixing bowl with liquid smoke, olive oil, salt and pepper.

• Transfer to lined baking sheet and bake for about 30 minutes, turning halfway through to brown on both sides, or until crisp around the edges.

Sautéed Shishito Pepper Method

• In a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, sauté Shishito peppers using water or veggie broth and turn to brown on all sides.

• Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

• It’s best to prep everything a day in advance, so your onions have enough time to pickle and you’re not dealing with too much prep work.

• All the items that need baking (marinated tofu, carrots and shiitake bacon) can be baked at the same time and at the same temp.

 

Thrive on,

Coach Jentry