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Chipotle & Black Pepper-Crusted Vegan Steak Sandwiches with Cheddar, Heirloom Tomato Horseradish Aioli & Watercress

This past week, my vegan-fueled, powerhouse immune system was defeated by some unknown virus. My throat was sore, my cough was strong and there was more mucus coming out of my body than I knew it could produce. I had "bear head*" for over two days, and couldn't leave my bed for almost three. I know I'm extremely ill when I can't even think about food. That's my biggest red flag. I couldn't even crack open a cookbook without growing queasy. I will hopefully never again cross paths with that violent flu. 

I'm not used to falling sick. It's been almost two years since any illness pervaded my tiger-like immune system, and I am one crabby motherfucker when I'm sick. I couldn't cry out for anyone around to bring me tea and lozenges because my roommates were equally as ill as I. I'm thanking the universe that I have my own bathroom. The only things any of us could do were lay in separate rooms and whine in between coughing fits. I'm sure it would have been quite a scene. 

I used to fake sick all the time as a kiddo, and I was downright GREAT at it. Most kids just stick a thermometer under a lamp and call it a day. Not me. I pulled out all the stops. I would lay a hot water bottle underneath my neck and head to raise my temperature, then hide it the second my mom came in to check my fever. It reliably raised my core body temperature to 99.5F or higher. I perfected the fake sneeze as an art-form unto itself. And, (this is gross...I know) I could make it seem like I'd thrown up in bed by chewing a bunch of food and spitting it on the comforter. I was one crazy 8-year-old. 

Instead of seeing myself as a young slacker, I like to think my "sick days" at home were true lessons in Method Acting. By proxy, I also learned how to keep the house tidy once everyone left the house. It's all about the light you shed on a situation. Gross childhood stories aside, I'm back on my feet and back in my kitchen. 

For this sandwich, I used the new, stretchy Teese Cheddar, but I'm going to be an ass and recommend using Daiya instead. I just like the taste so much better. Happy belated Labor Day! 

 *(You've seen the commercials where the guy wearing the bear head represents that disconnected feeling, right? Alright. Maybe I just like the term "Bear Head".

 Chipotle & Black Pepper-Crusted Vegan Steak Sandwiches with Cheddar, Heirloom Tomato Horseradish Aioli & Watercress
  • 1 batch of Beef Style Seitan, made in 1 large piece
  • Canola Oil, for rubbing "Steak"
  • Kosher Salt, for seasoning
  • 1 1/2 TBSP Freshly Cracked Black Pepper
  • 1 1/2 TBSP Dried Chipotle Pepper, ground
  • 4 Sandwich Rolls, halved and toasted
  • 8 Slices of Vegan Cheddar Cheese
  • Heirloom Tomato Horseradish Mayo (Recipe Follows)
  • 1 bunch of Watercress
Heat your grill, grill pan or skillet over high heat. Rub the big piece of Beef Style Seitan with the canola oil, then rub well with salt, pepper and ground chipotle. Grill the "Steak" on both sides until slightly charred, about 4 minutes per side. Remove from the grill or pan and set aside to cool for 4 minutes. Slice into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place two slices of "Cheddar" on the bottom of each sandwich roll, the place an equal amount of "Steak" atop the "Cheddar". Wrap each sandwich tightly with foil, then place back on the grill or pan for 1 minute on each side. Remove the sandwich from the heat and unwrap it, the add the Heirloom Tomato Horseradish Mayo and watercress to the sandwich. Serve.

 
Heirloom Tomato Horseradish Aioli
  • 1 large Heirloom Tomato, seeded
  • 1 cup Vegan Mayo
  • 1 TBSP Whole Grain Mustard
  • 2 TBSP Horseradish, drained
  • Salt and Pepper, to taste
Using a food processor, puree all of the ingredients except the salt and pepper until fully whipped/blended. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes before serving.

Comments

lol love the post! i could fake sick with the best of 'em, too!

did you try colloidal silver for your virus? that would've been my first suggestion...
Jes said…
Wow, you were quite the expert!!! I'm so glad you're feeling better now though, both you and Jane being sick must have been horrid.

The sandwich though...mmm I could go for one right now!
Unknown said…
I am impressed with your skills lady! I also was a heavy participant in school skipping..until that day my mom came home and found me with a 24 pack of beer....Ended that quickly.

This looks fantastic!
a-k said…
Oh man, I really wish I'd known you as a young child, although my super-scared and puritan self probably would have thought my mom wouldn't approve of our friendship. I can see you carried your creativity into your cooking...looks great!
Bianca said…
Oh shit. Glad you're feeling better now. I love the fake-puking tips, not that I have any reason to fake sick these days. But you never know....a situation could come up that I need to get out of. Also, the sandwich looks delicious! I'm a sucker for anything that involves seitan and vegan cheese.
x said…
Sounds like you were a sick day pro!

And I NEED that sammige like now! I might use a portobello instead of the seitan and make it this weekend :D
Cortney said…
I remember one day, I pretended to be sick so I could stay home. I was making all the right moves- moaning in "pain", coughing, sneezing, etc. Once 4 p.m. rolled around though, I wanted to play with friends, so I faked a "recovery". Dad quickly put me back in bed, citing my sickness. After dinner that night, he casually mentioned "too bad you were sick today, it was a holiday and all your friends were at the pool". He TOTALLY knew I was faking, and taught me a lesson by letting me eff up my actual day off. Oh Dad. Smooth move my man.

Related to food-I'm really scared of making my own seitan. I'm intimidated by the boiling part, and I'm not entirely sure I know how it's supposed to come out. Is this an irrational fear? Is it more simple to make than I think it is?
Anonymous said…
dammit jenn! where was this puking tip ten years ago?! i could have used it!

hope you are feeling better! food looks amazing, as always.
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