Flavored Vegan Sausage Recipe – A Traditional Italian Feast

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Finding the right vegan sausage recipe can often feel like a daunting task. If you’ve ever faced the disappointment of bland, texture-less vegan sausages, you’re not alone.

I remember my first attempt at making them at home; it was a culinary disaster that left me questioning the possibility of a savory, satisfying alternative to meat sausages.

However, I didn’t give up. Through trial and error, I discovered a recipe that changed everything. This homemade vegan sausage not only rivals its meat counterparts in flavor but also boasts a perfect, chewy texture.

It’s a testament to how, with the right ingredients and techniques, you can transform simple pantry staples into a delicious, plant-based feast that everyone will love.

What Are Vegan Sausage?

Vegan sausages are a plant-based alternative to traditional meat sausages, designed to mimic their flavor and texture without using animal products.

They are commonly made from ingredients like vital wheat gluten, which provides a meaty texture, legumes such as beans and lentils for protein, and a variety of spices and herbs for flavor.

Nutritional yeast is often added for a cheesy taste, enhancing their savoriness. Great for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, vegan sausages offer a versatile and satisfying option for grilling, frying, or adding to your favorite dishes, making them a necessary component in a plant-based eating plan.

Quick Fact – Vegan sausages often use vital wheat gluten and legumes, providing a meaty texture and high protein content, making them a satisfying and nutritious plant-based alternative to traditional meat sausages.

Recipe Directions

• Prepare Chia Egg: In a small bowl, mix the ground chia seeds with 1/4 cup of water. Set aside for 5 minutes to thicken. If using whole chia seeds, blend them into a powder first.
• Prep Beans: Rinse canned white beans well, drain, and pat dry. Ensure they are completely dry.
• Process Oats And Walnuts: Use a food processor to pulse oats and walnuts. Aim for a coarse texture, not fine flour.
• Combine Ingredients: Add the thickened chia egg, beans, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato paste, tamari, and spices to the processor. Pulse to combine without making the mixture mushy. If sticky, add oat flour.
• Freeze For Shaping: For easier shaping, freeze the mixture for 10 minutes.
• Shape Sausages: Form the mixture into 6-7 sausages, using about 1/3 cup per sausage. Place on parchment paper and chill in the fridge for 20 minutes.
• Steam Sausages: Wrap each sausage in parchment and foil, twisting the ends. Steam in a basket over a pot for 35 minutes.
• Pan-Fry (Optional): For a crispy finish, pan-fry the sausages in a little oil over medium heat, 7-10 minutes, turning occasionally.
• Serve: Enjoy your vegan sausages hot with mustard, BBQ sauce, or in a bun like a hot dog. For grilling tips, check the blog post.

Variations, Add-Ons, And Toppings

Variations

• Spice Blends: Customize your sausages with different spice blends for various cuisines—think Italian herbs, Mexican spices, or Indian curry powders.
• Bean Varieties: Swap out white beans for black beans, chickpeas, or lentils to alter the flavor and texture.
• Grain Choices: Try different grains like quinoa or bulgur instead of oats for unique textures and nutritional profiles.
• Nuts and Seeds: Experiment with different nuts or seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, or pecans) for varied flavors and textures.

Add-Ons

• Vegetables: Incorporate finely diced vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes into the mix for added moisture and flavor.
• Cheese Flavors: Add nutritional yeast or vegan cheese shreds to the mixture for a cheesy taste.
• Smoky Flavors: Incorporate liquid smoke or smoked paprika for that traditional smoky sausage flavor.
• Heat Elements: Include jalapeños, chili flakes, or hot sauce to spice up your sausages.

Toppings

• Sauces: Serve with a variety of sauces like vegan mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, or aioli for dipping.
• Sautéed Vegetables: Top your vegan sausages with sautéed onions, peppers, or mushrooms for extra flavor and texture.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or thyme for a burst of freshness.
• Coleslaw: Offer a side of vegan coleslaw for a crunchy, tangy complement to the savory sausages.
• Relishes and Chutneys: Add sweet or spicy relishes and chutneys to enhance the sausages with complex flavors.

Vegetable Substitutions

• Mushrooms: Great for replacing meat due to their umami flavor and meaty texture. Portobello, shiitake, or cremini mushrooms work well.
• Eggplant: Its spongy texture absorbs flavors beautifully, making it ideal for dishes like lasagna or bolognese.
• Cauliflower: Versatile in replacing meats or grains; can be used as rice, mashed like potatoes, or as steak.
• Jackfruit: Unripe jackfruit has a meaty texture, perfect for vegan pulled pork or chicken recipes.
• Lentils: A hearty substitute for ground meat in tacos, bolognese, or burgers.
• Butternut Squash: Adds sweetness and depth to curries, soups, and stews.
• Zucchini: Great for noodles, lasagna layers, or stuffed dishes.
• Chickpeas: Can replace chicken or tuna in salads, sandwiches, or as a protein-rich addition to any meal.
• Sweet Potatoes: Offer a nutritious, colorful base for burgers, fries, or as a filling.
• Beets: Their earthy flavor and vibrant color are perfect for mimicking the look and taste of meat in burgers.

Quick Tip – For deeper flavors in vegan cooking, try roasting your vegetables before adding them to dishes. This technique caramelizes their natural sugars, enhancing the overall taste and richness.

Best Side Dishes

1. Sautéed Greens Kale, spinach, or Swiss chard, sautéed with garlic and olive oil, add a nutritious and flavorful touch.
2. Quinoa Salad A colorful quinoa salad with vegetables and a lemon vinaigrette offers a light, refreshing side.
3. Roasted Vegetables Root vegetables or seasonal veggies, roasted with herbs, complement the sausages with their natural sweetness.
4. Coleslaw A tangy, crisp coleslaw made with vegan mayo balances the savory notes of the sausages.
5. Mashed Sweet Potatoes Creamy mashed sweet potatoes with a hint of maple syrup or spices make for a comforting side.
6. Grilled Corn On The Cob Corn, grilled and brushed with vegan butter, adds a smoky, sweet element.
7. Potato Salad A classic potato salad, made with a vegan dressing, is a hearty, crowd-pleasing option.
8. Baked Beans Sweet and tangy baked beans are a traditional and satisfying accompaniment.
9. Pasta Salad A chilled pasta salad with fresh vegetables and a zesty dressing is great for picnics or barbecues.
10. Ratatouille This French stewed vegetable dish offers a delightful medley of flavors that pairs well with the robustness of vegan sausages.

Why To Serve?

• Inclusivity: Vegan sausages allow hosts to accommodate guests with diverse dietary restrictions, including vegans, vegetarians, and those avoiding meat for health reasons, ensuring everyone has delicious options.
• Health Benefits: Plant-based sausages are generally lower in saturated fats and cholesterol than their meat counterparts, contributing to heart health and overall wellness.
• Environmental Sustainability: Producing vegan sausages has a lower environmental impact, requiring less water and land and generating fewer greenhouse gases, supporting a more sustainable food system.
• Ethical Eating: Choosing vegan sausages aligns with ethical concerns about animal welfare, as it avoids contributing to the meat industry’s often criticized practices.
• Flavor Variety: Vegan sausages come in a wide range of flavors and textures, offering culinary exploration without animal products, making meals interesting and varied.
• Convenience: With the rising availability and variety of vegan sausages in stores, they offer a convenient and quick protein option for meals.
• Allergy-Friendly: Many vegan sausages are free from common allergens like dairy and eggs, making them a safer choice for people with allergies or intolerances.

Quick Tip – Soak cashews overnight before blending into sauces or dips. This ensures a smoother, creamier texture, perfect for creating rich, dairy-free dressings and dips with ease.

Storage & Make Ahead

Simple storage and make ahead tips for the recipe:

Refrigerating

• Shape and Store: After shaping your vegan sausage mixture into links or patties, place them on a tray lined with parchment paper and cover them loosely with plastic wrap. Once they firm up a bit, transfer them to an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Duration: Uncooked vegan sausages can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. This short window is because the freshness of the ingredients can start to decline, affecting the final taste and texture.

Freezing

• Freezing Individually: Freeze the shaped sausages on a parchment-lined tray before transferring them to a freezer bag or container. This step prevents them from sticking together, allowing you to thaw only the amount you need later.
• Label and Date: Always label your storage container with the contents and the date of freezing. Properly labeled, vegan sausages can be easily organized and used within an optimal period.
• Duration: Frozen uncooked vegan sausages can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use them, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.

Storage Tips For Cooked Vegan Sausage

• Refrigerating: Cooling: Allow cooked vegan sausages to cool to room temperature before storing to prevent condensation that can make them soggy.
• Airtight Container: Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To keep them moist, you might want to drizzle a little olive oil over them or store them with a bit of their cooking sauce (if applicable).
• Duration: Cooked vegan sausages can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Pre-Freeze: Like with uncooked sausages, freeze cooked sausages individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Reheating: Cooked vegan sausages can be reheated directly from frozen in a skillet over medium heat, in the oven, or on a grill. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth to help them stay moist during reheating.
• Duration: Cooked vegan sausages can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Make-Ahead Tips

• Meal Prep: Vegan sausages are perfect for meal prepping. Cook a large batch at the beginning of the week, and incorporate them into different meals for variety, such as breakfast scrambles, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a protein-packed addition to salads.
• Flavor Variations: When making vegan sausages, consider preparing multiple flavor variations to keep your meals interesting. Spices and herbs can be adjusted to create Italian, spicy, or herbed sausages, for example.

Fact – Vital wheat gluten, the key ingredient in vegan sausages, is derived from wheat and is remarkably high in protein, making it a staple in plant-based meat alternatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Substitute The White Beans With Another Type Of Bean In The Vegan Sausage Recipe?

Yes, you can substitute white beans with other beans such as black beans, kidney beans, or chickpeas. Each type of bean will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the sausages.

Chickpeas, for instance, offer a firmer texture and a nuttier flavor, while black beans will give a deeper color and rich taste. It’s important to ensure whatever beans you choose are well-drained and thoroughly dried to prevent the mixture from becoming too wet.

How Can I Make Vegan Sausages Without A Food Processor?

If you don’t have a food processor, you can use a blender for the oats and walnuts, aiming for a coarse texture.

For the beans and other ingredients, mash them together in a large bowl using a potato masher or fork. It may require more effort and time to achieve a consistent mix, but it’s certainly possible. The key is to ensure the ingredients are well combined but not over-processed.

Is There A Gluten-Free Option For This Vegan Sausage Recipe?

To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure you use gluten-free oats and substitute vital wheat gluten with a gluten-free binder like chickpea flour or rice flour.

The texture might be slightly different, and you may need to experiment with the amount of binder to achieve the right consistency. Additionally, ensure that all other ingredients, such as tamari or soy sauce, are certified gluten-free.

How Can I Store The Vegan Sausages, And How Long Will They Last?

Cooked vegan sausages can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap each sausage individually in cling film or parchment paper, then place them in a freezer bag or container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating. To reheat, simply pan-fry, bake, or microwave until heated through.

Are There Any Variations To The Vegan Sausage Recipe For Different Flavors?

Absolutely! You can easily customize the base recipe for various flavors. For Italian-style sausages, add more Italian seasoning, fennel seeds, and red pepper flakes. For a spicy chorizo version, incorporate smoked paprika, chili powder, and a bit of apple cider vinegar.

You can also experiment with adding liquid smoke for a smoky flavor, maple syrup for sweetness, or different herbs and spices to suit your taste preferences. The versatility of this recipe allows for endless flavor combinations.