Vegan Pepperoni

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups vital wheat gluten flour

¼ cup nutritional yeast

2 teaspoons mustard powder

2 teaspoons paprika

1 ½ teaspoons crushed fennel seeds

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon crushed anise seeds

½ teaspoon white sugar

¾ cup cold water

¼ cup tomato paste

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons liquid amino acids

2 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. Mix vital wheat gluten flour, nutritional yeast, mustard powder, paprika, fennel seeds, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, anise seeds, and sugar together in a large mixing bowl.

3. Stir water, tomato paste, olive oil, liquid amino acid, and liquid smoke together in a separate bowl. Stir wet mixture into flour mixture until evenly mixed and a dough forms.

4. Turn dough onto a work surface and knead until smooth. Shape dough into a 1 1/2- to 2-inch diameter log. Wrap log tightly in aluminum foil, twisting both ends to secure. Place on a baking sheet.

5. Bake in the preheated oven for 90 minutes. Remove from the oven, unwrap, and cool to room temperature, about 30 minutes.

6. Slice cooled pepperoni and use as desired. Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap.

Makes 12 servings

Nutrition Facts per serving: 113 calories, 9g carbohydrates, 3g fat, 12g protein

Snack, Side