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Vegan Croque Monsieur Recipe

Vegan Croque Monsieur Recipe - Great Meal Recipes

A rainy afternoon, cozy in the kitchen, with the smell of garlic seasoning wafting through the air. That’s when my fondness for French cuisine kicked into high gear. I stumbled upon croque monsieur, and my journey of transforming this classic dish into a vegan delight began. 
Croque monsieur is a French sandwich consisting of ham and cheese, but there’s a whole world to explore with plant-based ingredients!
When I first attempted a vegan version, I was doubtful. Could I capture the same savory comfort without the dairy? 
Spoiler alert: Not only did I succeed, but I also managed to create something delicious and memorable. This vegan croque monsieur is rich, cheesy, and just as satisfying, proving that plant-based food can hold its own.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Rest Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: American
Calories: 461
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Bread Wholemeal Slices
  • 80 g Vegan cheese Shreds
  • 1/2 tsp Garlic Seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika Powder
  • 1/2 Eggplant
  • 1/2 tsp Celery Seasoning
  • 1 pinch Ground Nutmeg
  • 1 tsp Fresh Thyme Leaves
  • 2 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 1 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 Bay Leaf
  • 1 tbsp Potato Starch
  • 250 mL Oat Beverage
  • 2 tsp Dijon Mustard

Method
 

Step 1: Prepare the Filling
  1. Start by heating a pan over medium heat. Add a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Once heated, toss in the finely chopped eggplant. Sauté for 5 minutes until tender.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
  1. In a bowl, mix the sautéed eggplant, vegan cheese, garlic seasoning, onion powder, smoked paprika, celery seasoning, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and fresh thyme leaves. Stir in the oat beverage until creamy.
Step 3: Spread the Mustard
  1. Take your slices of wholemeal bread. Spread a generous layer of Dijon mustard on one side of each slice. This adds another flavor dimension and a bit of tanginess.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwich
  1. With the mustard side facing up, spoon the filling you made between two slices. Press them together gently to secure everything.
Step 5: Grill the Sandwich
  1. Heat a non-stick skillet or panini press over medium heat. Brush the outside of the sandwich with olive oil. When the pan is hot, carefully place the sandwich. Grill for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
  1. Remove the sandwich from the pan. Let it rest for a minute before slicing. Serve hot, and enjoy the glorious flavors!

Notes

  • Spread the Filing Evenly: Make sure the filling is spread evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
  • Choose the Right Bread: Wholemeal bread provides a great texture, but you can experiment with gluten-free options if needed.
  • Adjust the Level of Spice: If you like heat, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
  • Don’t Skip the Mustard: The mustard adds a necessary tang that balances out the richness of the cheese.
  • Let it Rest: Letting the sandwich rest before serving ensures all the flavors meld well.