Love smoky flavors? Try adding hickory to your meals
What's the story
Hickory wood is known for its robust, smoky flavor that isn't too overpowering. This makes it ideal for adding a touch of smokiness to vegan dishes, elevating them from simple to simply delicious. This article delves into five creative ways to infuse hickology smoke into vegan cooking. It's all about bringing that smoky goodness to the plant-based world, no meat smoker required.
Tofu transformation
Smoked hickory tofu
Make tofu taste amazing (yes, really!) with hickory smoke. Press and cut tofu into finger shapes, then marinate in soy sauce, maple syrup, and liquid smoke for two hours or overnight. Smoke over hickory chips at a low temp for 30 minutes. Bland tofu is now a thing of the past! Enjoy your smoky, savory main course.
Cheesy delight
Hickory-flavored vegan cheese
Vegan cheese gets a serious flavor upgrade with the addition of hickory smoke. Simply blend soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, salt, garlic powder, and enough water to create a smooth consistency. Then, add liquid hickory smoke to taste and allow the mixture to ferment for 24 hours. You'll be left with a richly flavored vegan cheese that's perfect on crackers or as part of a charcuterie board.
Bean bonanza
Smoked hickory beans
Pinto or black beans, soaked overnight, simmer gently with onions, garlic, and your favorite spices. Adding liquid hickory smoke in the final 30 minutes of cooking imparts a deep smoky flavor. These beans shine in burritos, salads, or as a robust side dish, elevating them with a rich, smoky undertone.
Veggie venture
Hickory-smoked vegetable skewers
Even veggie skewers get a flavor upgrade with hickory chips! Choose veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes that absorb smoke well. Marinate them in olive oil and herbs before threading onto skewers. Smoke them low and slow until they're tender and infused with that irresistible smoky flavor. Great for barbecues or as appetizers.
Chili thrill
Hickory-infused vegan chili
Take your chili to the next level by adding hickory-smoked beans and tomatoes, then slow-cook with spices such as cumin and chili powder. Slowly add liquid smoke, tasting frequently to ensure a perfect balance of spicy and smoky flavors. This technique creates a chili that's both comforting and sophisticated, ensuring it will be a memorable meal.