Guilt-Free Pepperoni
Crafted from vital wheat gluten, tofu, carrots, and a blend of spices and herbs, this healthy alternative packs a punch of flavor and protein. Perfect for topping pizzas or snacking, it's a delicious way to enjoy a guilt-free indulgence.
Recipe Type: Other | Serves: Makes 50-75 pepperoni slices
Dough Ingredients
Extra-Firm Tofu: 1 block, pressed
Carrot: 1 medium, chopped
Flour: 3/4 cup
Vital Wheat Gluten: 1/2 cup
Nutritional Yeast: 1/4 cup
Olive Oil: 1 tsp + more for baking
Garlic Powder: 1 tsp
Red Pepper Flakes: 1 tsp
Smoked Paprika: 2 tsp
Cayenne Pepper: 1/2 tsp
Anise: a small chunk
Dijon: 1 tsp
Liquid Smoke: 1/2 tsp
Salt & Pepper: to taste
Water: a few tbsps
Glaze Marinade Ingredients
(per 1/3 of the pepperoni quantities)
Maple Syrup: 1 tbsp
Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
Smoked Paprika: 1/2 tsp
Salt: 1/4 tsp
Chipotle Hot Sauce (optional): 2 tsp
Liquid Smoke (optional): 1/2 tsp
Soy Sauce: 2 tbsp
Dried Herbs: 1/2 tsp of each — A combination of Thyme, Parsley, Sage, Oregano, Basil, and Rosemary
If you are making the glaze marinade for all the pepperoni, multiple these quantities by 3.
Instructions
In a small pot, boil some water, then add in your chopped carrot. Boil until cooked. Leave to cool.
In a blender, add in your tofu, cooled cooked carrot, 1 tsp of olive oil, dijon, liquid smoke, salt and pepper and spices. Blend, adding a little bit of water at a time until you have a creamy consistency.
Place your tofu carrot cream into a bowl, along with your flour. Combine together. Add in your nutritional yeast and vital wheat gluten, combine and let sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Using a stand mixer, or your hands, knead together the dough for about 5 minutes if using the stand mixer, or 7-10 minutes if using your hands.
Preheat your oven to 375. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, add some more olive oil, then lay out your dough as flat as possible. You can use your hands or a floured rolling pin!
Bake at 375 for about 20-30 minutes, checking every 10 minutes.
Once your dough has slightly hardened, but is still soft, roll it out once more, then cut your pepperoni slices with a cookie cutter.
Prepare your glaze. Combine all ingredients except soy sauce and herbs into a bowl and whisk until smooth. Once you have your desired consistency, add in your soy sauce and whisk again. Find that piece of anise you placed to add flavour in your blender and add it to the marinade.
Place your pepperoni slices in a single layer, and pour the marinade on top. Add your herbs, and mix until all the pieces are coated. Set aside to soak.
Once all the marinade has been absorbed by the pepperoni slice, place them in the oven to make once more until sticky. (about 10 mins)
Place on your pizza, or simply eat as a delicious snack! Enjoy!