TTLA Sandwich (Tempeh, Tomato, Lettuce, Avocado) Recipe

Introduction

TTLA Sandwich, a viral sensation made popular by the delightful Tabitha Brown. This vegan delight is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Our detailed recipe will guide you through each step, ensuring you can recreate this sandwich to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or new to plant-based eating, this TTLA Sandwich is sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

For the sandwich:

  • 1 package Lightlife Tempeh
  • 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
  • Fresh lettuce leaves (Romaine, Butter, or Iceberg)
  • 1 ripe avocado, sliced
  • 1 red onion, thinly sliced
  • Sweet pickles, sliced (optional)
  • 2 ciabatta buns or any sturdy sandwich rolls
  • Country Crock Olive Oil Spread (or any vegan butter)

For the lemon garlic aioli:

  • 1/2 cup Best Foods Vegan Mayo
  • 1-2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the tempeh marinade:

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoon vegan Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 drop liquid smoke (optional for smoky flavor)

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare the Tempeh: Start by slicing the tempeh into thin strips, approximately 1/4 inch thick. Tempeh is a protein-packed food made from fermented soybeans, providing a hearty texture and rich, nutty flavor. Slicing it thinly ensures it absorbs the marinade and cooks evenly.
  2. Marinate the Tempeh: In a shallow dish, mix together the soy sauce, vegan Worcestershire sauce, and liquid smoke. Place the tempeh strips in the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 1 hour for a deeper flavor.
  3. Cook the Tempeh: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the marinated tempeh strips. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they are browned and slightly crispy. The key to perfect tempeh is to cook it until it develops a nice caramelized crust, enhancing its flavor and texture.
  4. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Aioli: While the tempeh is cooking, prepare the aioli. In a small bowl, combine the vegan mayo, minced garlic, lemon juice, garlic salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth. This aioli adds a tangy and creamy element to the sandwich, perfectly complementing the other ingredients.
  5. Toast the Ciabatta Buns: Preheat your broiler to high. Lightly spread Country Crock Olive Oil on the cut sides of the ciabatta buns. Place the buns, cut side up, on a baking sheet. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until they are lightly toasted and golden brown. Toasting the buns adds a satisfying crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy when layered with the other ingredients.
  6. Layer the Sandwich: Begin assembling your TTLA sandwich. Spread a generous amount of the lemon garlic aioli on both halves of the toasted ciabatta buns. This will be the base layer that holds the sandwich together and infuses it with flavor.
  7. Add the Tempeh: Place the cooked tempeh strips evenly over the bottom half of the bun. The tempeh provides a hearty and savory foundation for the sandwich, packed with protein and a smoky flavor from the marinade.
  8. Layer with Fresh Vegetables: Next, add the tomato slices, followed by the lettuce leaves. The tomatoes add juiciness and acidity, while the lettuce provides a refreshing crunch. Feel free to use your preferred type of lettuce; Romaine, Butter, or Iceberg all work well.
  9. Add the Avocado: Layer the avocado slices on top of the lettuce. Avocado adds a creamy texture and rich flavor, making the sandwich more satisfying and nutritious. Use a ripe avocado for the best results, ensuring it’s easy to slice and spread.
  10. Add Red Onion: Place thinly sliced red onion on top of the avocado. Red onions add a subtle sweetness and a bit of sharpness, balancing the richness of the avocado and aioli. If you prefer a milder onion flavor, you can soak the onion slices in cold water for a few minutes before adding them to the sandwich.
  11. Optional Additions: If you like a bit of sweetness and tang, add some sliced sweet pickles. They provide an unexpected burst of flavor that complements the savory elements of the sandwich.
  12. Top with Aioli: Spread more lemon garlic aioli on the top half of the ciabatta bun. This ensures every bite is packed with flavor and ties all the ingredients together.
  13. Assemble the Sandwich: Carefully place the top half of the bun over the layered ingredients. Gently press down to help the sandwich hold together.
  14. Slice and Serve: Using a sharp knife, cut the sandwich in half diagonally. This not only makes it easier to eat but also gives it a professional presentation. Serve immediately while the ingredients are fresh and the bread is still slightly warm.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

  • Calories: 450
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 12g
  • Sugars: 8g
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 900mg
  • Potassium: 800mg
  • Vitamin A: 25% DV
  • Vitamin C: 30% DV
  • Calcium: 15% DV
  • Iron: 20% DV

Tips for the Perfect TTLA Sandwich:

  1. Marinating the Tempeh: For maximum flavor, allow the tempeh to marinate for at least 1 hour. If you’re short on time, even a 15-minute marinade will enhance the flavor significantly.
  2. Toasting the Buns: Don’t skip the step of toasting the ciabatta buns. This adds a delightful crunch and prevents the bread from getting soggy when layered with the moist ingredients.
  3. Customizing the Aioli: Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic in the aioli to suit your taste. For a spicier kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely chopped jalapeños.
  4. Adding Extra Veggies: The TTLA sandwich is highly customizable. Consider adding cucumber slices, bell peppers, or even some fresh spinach for additional crunch and nutrition.
  5. Using Ripe Avocado: Ensure your avocado is perfectly ripe. It should yield slightly to gentle pressure and have a creamy texture when sliced. An underripe avocado can be hard and lack flavor, while an overripe one can be mushy.
  6. Storage Tips: If you need to store the sandwich, it’s best to keep the ingredients separate and assemble just before eating. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy and the vegetables from wilting.
  7. Meal Prep: This sandwich can be part of your meal prep routine. Marinate and cook the tempeh in advance, and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Prepare the aioli and store it separately. When ready to eat, simply toast the buns and assemble the sandwich.
  8. Gluten-Free Option: To make this sandwich gluten-free, use gluten-free ciabatta buns or rolls and tamari instead of soy sauce for the marinade.

Conclusion

The TTLA Sandwich is a testament to how delicious and satisfying vegan food can be. With its combination of marinated tempeh, fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and zesty aioli, it’s no wonder this sandwich has become a viral sensation. Whether you’re making it for yourself or sharing it with friends and family, this TTLA Sandwich is sure to impress and delight. Enjoy this flavorful journey and don’t forget to share your creations with us!

This professional, optimized recipe ensures that you can recreate the TTLA Sandwich with confidence, providing detailed instructions, tips, and nutritional information for a wholesome meal. Happy cooking!