1. Lightlife meatless Gimme Lean! sausage
($2.59 per 14-ounce tube at Nature's Fresh Northwest, various
locations)
If you love real sausage but don't want to build an arterial
roadblock with all that saturated fat, this fat-free soy
version may be the perfect substitute. Lightlife's vegan
take on Jimmy Dean sausage is almost identical to the genuine
article: spicy, juicy and perfectly chewy. Crumble or form
into patties or meatballs, fry lightly and add to lasagna,
pasta or pizza--or eat it for breakfast.
2.
Morningstar Farms Grillers
($3.25 per box of four at Fred Meyer, various locations)
Meatier in texture than Gardenburgers but not too
fleshy, these low-fat, hamburger-like patties are made for
grilling. They have more structural integrity than other
soy-based patties, so you won't have to extinguish any toaster
fires or pick them out of the hot coals piece by piece.
Grill or toast and serve on a bun with Dijon, tomatoes and
a slice of soy cheese or real cheddar.
3.
Yves Jumbo Veggie Dogs
($4.39 per six-pack at People's Food Store Co-Op, 3029 SE
21st Ave., 232-9051)
This extra-long, vegan "not dog" is tastier and more like
the texture of a real hot dog than its rubbery and bland
counterparts. Sure, Oscar Mayer is cheaper, but at least
there aren't any pig lips in these. Grilled or steamed and
served on a bun with all of the fixin's, just one jumbo
dog is a substantial meal.
4.
Tofurkey Deli Slices
($2.69 per 5.5-ounce pack at
Nature's Fresh Northwest, various locations)
Now the vegan Thanksgiving favorite is available in thin
slices. The flavor is less intense than that of a real bird,
but the texture is slightly stringy, like turkey, and the
mild flavor blends well with condiments. Toss a few cold
slices in a sandwich with cheese and fresh vegetables or
cranberry sauce, or top with mushroom gravy to make some
healthy comfort food.
5.
Morningstar Farms Chik Patties
($3.15 per box of four
patties at Fred Meyer, various locations)
These lightly breaded, hockey puck-shaped patties are akin
to white meat. They're tasty and moist but not greasy, and
the thin breading is a nice touch. Fry lightly, bake or
microwave (nuke them too long and they wind up doggie chew-toys).
Serve on a bun with mayonnaise, lettuce, tomato and barbecue
sauce, or marinara and Parmesan cheese. Chik Patties are
also available in nugget form.
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Willamette Week | originally
published May 12, 1999
|
