Vegan 'Ground Beef' Recipe (Gluten Free)

When my wife developed a sensitivity to gluten we could no longer use Boca brand crumbles so I developed this recipe.  I started out trying recipes I found on the web but most of them were VERY BLAND.  Sometimes it is easy to mimic texture and look but flavor is compromised.  It took some trial and error but we have been very happy with the results and now use this for tacos, chili, etc.

Vegan 'Ground Beef'

makes about 2 cups

1 cup dry TVP (textured vegetable protein)

2 T. nutritional yeast
1/4 t. ground black pepper

1 t. smoked paprika

1 t. garlic powder

2 T. Bragg's liquid aminos (or gluten free tamari)

2/3 cup water

1/4 cup peanut oil (or other oil for frying)

1.  In a microwave safe bowl mix spices, water, and Bragg's.  Microwave on high for 2 minutes.

2.    Stir in TVP.  Let sit for a minute or so until TVP has soaked up all of the liquid.

3.  Heat oil in a large skillet (large enough so the TVP can be spread into a thin layer) and fry TVP on medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until TVP has browned to your liking (about 4-7 minutes).

Note about using TVP:  I have found that TVP tastes best when it is rehydrated with flavored liquid such as vegetable stock or the spice mixture above.  If you rehydrate with plain water it will never absorb flavor the same way an always taste a little bland.