Chickpea & Vegan Bacon Hoagie Recipe

This hearty and flavorful hoagie combines crispy vegan bacon, protein-packed chickpeas, fresh veggies, and a tangy homemade dressing. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, it’s destined to make any Wawa purist jealous.

Ingredients:

For the Hoagie:

• 1 package of vegan bacon (prepared according to package, I used SweetEarthFoods)

• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

• 1 hoagie roll or your favorite sandwich bread, sliced in half

• 1 small head of lettuce, chopped

• 1 large tomato, sliced

• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1-2 jalapeños, thinly sliced

• Optional: Buffalo sauce (I used SweetBabyRaysCatering)

For the Dressing:

• ¼ cup vegan yogurt (I used KiteHill)

• ¼ cup tahini

• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)

• 1 tsp dried parsley

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• Salt, to taste

• Water, for consistency

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Vegan Bacon: Cook the vegan bacon according to the package until crispy. Once done, set it aside on a plate.

2. Sauté the Chickpeas: In the same pan used to cook the vegan bacon, add the chickpeas and a pinch of salt. Sauté on medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until they become golden and slightly crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the vegan yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, dill, parsley, and a pinch of salt. Add a splash of water to reach your desired consistency. The dressing should be creamy but pourable. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

4. Chop Everything on the Cutting Board: Lay the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and jalapeños onto the cutting board. Roughly chop everything together to create a rustic mix.

5. Dress the Salad: Pour the pre-whisked dressing directly over the chopped veggies on the cutting board and toss to coat.

6. Grill the Bread: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Brush the inside of the hoagie roll with olive oil and grill for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crisp. For an extra kick, spread Buffalo sauce on one side of the bread.

7. Assemble the Hoagie: Scoop the dressed veggie mixture into the grilled hoagie. Add the sautéed chickpeas and crispy vegan bacon. Close the sandwich, cut in half, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips:

• Customization: Feel free to swap the vegan bacon for your favorite protein.

• Extra Creamy: Add a spoonful of vegan mayo for a richer dressing.

• Heat it Up: Drizzle with hot sauce or more Buffalo sauce for an extra kick!

Enjoy this fresh and flavorful Chickpea & Vegan Bacon Hoagie as a quick and satisfying meal!