Roasted Beet, Polenta & Vegan Bacon

Vegan Bakon, beets, fennel and polenta come together in this nourishing plate. Garnished with micro greens and vegan Boursin. A delightful party of textures and flavors guaranteed!

If you are on the look out for vegan bakn then look no further. Thrilling foods Bakon is the best if you ask me. It’s even better than the real thing, harms no animals and the flavor? Superb. We will be pairing it with some roasted Fennel which has a fragrant anise aroma, Polenta for heartiness, and of-course beets! A recent video I saw on IG reels of roasting beets got me inspired to do this dish.

inspired by spring, the natural flourishing of natures bounty is in florescence, hence our dishes too. Celebrating the natural flavors of fennel and beet. This technique of wrapping in foil and roasting can be done with other roots and tubers such as parsnips and potatoes. Have a hand ful of micro-greens and infused olive oil and voila. ❤️

How to make

Wrap beets in aluminum foil and in a 450 F oven, bake it for 40-50 minutes. It all depends, make sure to check doneness by poking with a knife. Slice up fennel and wrap in foil as well, create an envelope like packaging. Pack the fennel with garlic, salt, olive oil and any seasoning of your choice. While those are roasting, sear Thrilling foods Bakon and polenta. Give it a good browning and set aside. Check up on your roasted vegetables. Take out the fennel first maybe after 30 minutes. If the beet has fully cooked. Run it through cold water and with the use of your fingers, peel the beets. Peel should come off easily.
I made 2 versions of the beet. One puréed and one just sliced. We really get to appreciate the beautiful flavor of the beet here.

Variations

1. Golden Beets: Use golden beets instead of red beets for a milder flavor and a vibrant, sunny color. They roast beautifully and are slightly sweeter than traditional beets.
2. Coconut Bacon: Substitute beet bacon with coconut bacon for a lighter, crispy, and nutty alternative. Simply mix coconut flakes with maple syrup, liquid smoke, and soy sauce before roasting.
3. Tempeh Bacon: Try making tempeh bacon as a meatier, more protein-packed topping. Thinly slice the tempeh and marinate it in maple syrup, soy sauce, and liquid smoke for a savory, smoky taste.
4. Tofu Bacon: For a softer texture, substitute beet bacon with tofu bacon. Thin strips of tofu can be seasoned with garlic powder, soy sauce, and maple syrup, then pan-fried or baked.
5. Rice Paper Bacon: For a lighter version, use rice paper to create crispy bacon strips. Marinate in liquid smokeand maple syrup before roasting on parchment paper for an ultra-crispy texture.

Substitutions

1. Maple Syrup: If you’re out of maple syrup, agave nectar or brown sugar can be used as a sweet substitute in the marinade.
2. Liquid Smoke: If you don’t have liquid smoke, try using smoked paprika for a subtler smoky flavor, or balsamic vinegar for a different depth.
3. Olive Oil: Avocado oil or coconut oil can be used in place of olive oil to roast the beets, adding a different flavor profile.
4. Soy Sauce: Replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option or use coconut aminos for a lower-sodium alternative while maintaining that savory umami taste.
5. Garlic Powder: If you prefer a more intense garlic flavor, substitute with fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder.

FAQ

1. Can I make the beet bacon ahead of time?
   Yes, you can! Store the beet bacon in an air-tight container for up to 5 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat on a baking sheet at medium heat to restore crispiness.
2. How do I get crispy beet bacon?
   Make sure the beets are cut into thin strips and laid in a single layer on parchment paper. Roasting them evenly is key to a crispy texture.
3. Can I use pre-cooked beets for this recipe?
   For the best texture, it's recommended to use fresh beets. Pre-cooked beets won’t achieve the same crispy texture.
4. What else can I use vegan bacon for?
   Vegan bacon pairs well with a beet salad, on top of a veggie burger, or even sprinkled over a tofu scramble for a savory crunch.
5. How do I prevent the beets from becoming soggy?
   After slicing the beets, pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture before marinating and roasting. This will help them crisp up better.

Top Tip

For extra crispiness, toss the beets with a little cornstarch or arrowroot powder before adding the marinade. This helps the beets achieve a crunchier texture when roasted.

Hint

For a bolder flavor, let the beet slices marinate in the maple syrup, soy sauce, and liquid smoke mixture for 15–20 minutes before roasting. This allows the beets to absorb the smoky, sweet, and savory goodness for a more intense taste.