THANKSGIVING ROAST CENTERPIECE (gLUTEN-FREE)
Ingredients
- 2 14-ounce packages extra firm tofu
- 1/4 cup low-sodium tamari
- 3–5 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 teaspoon vegan chicken-flavored bouillon
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 1/2–2 cups of prepared stuffing
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- Nonstick cooking spray (Optional)
- 1 – 8”x3” roasting pan
- 1 – parchment lined baking sheet
- Pastry brush
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Line one 8”x4” loaf pan with parchment paper or spray with non-stick cooking spray
Press the tofu by cutting each block in half. Working one piece at a time, place the block in a fine mesh bag, or kitchen towel. With your hands squeeze all the liquid out of the tofu. If it gets crushed in the process, don’t worry about it, it will later be put into a blender. Repeat with all tofu blocks.
Step 2
Place all your pressed tofu into a food processor. Add your tamari, garlic, tomato paste, oil, seasoning and bouillon and blend for a full minute stopping the processor about half way through to scrape down the sides with a rubber or silicone spatula.
Once the mixture is completely combined, add the flour and process for about another 45 seconds to a minute until a thick uniform mixture forms.
Step 3
Using a spatula, spread the mixture to line your 8”x3”pan covering all sides and bottom with an even (1.5” layer) of the mixture. This should leave you with a well where your stuffing will go.
Add your stuffing to the well and then evenly cover with the remaining tofu mixture, making sure no stuffing is visible.
Place the pan in the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Step 4
Remove the roast from the oven. Reduce your oven temperature to 350 Degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully flip your roast upside down onto your parchment-lined baking sheet.
With a pastry brush, coat the top and sides with balsamic vinegar followed by a light spray of cooking oil (optional). This will help the roast caramelize and turn a beautiful golden brown.
Return the roast on the baking sheet to the oven and bake for another 30-35 minutes or until the outside has browned and the roast feels firm to the touch.
For best results, allow the roast to sit for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes: You can prepare this a few days ahead and keep it refrigerated until the big day.
Reheat: At 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-40 minutes before serving.