Carrot bacon is a vegan alternative to traditional bacon made from thinly sliced carrots seasoned with smoky flavors to mimic the taste of bacon. Here’s a simple recipe to make carrot bacon:
Ingredients:
- 2 large carrots
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or tamari (for gluten-free option)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare the marinade: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce (or tamari), maple syrup, olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the carrots: Wash and peel the carrots. Using a vegetable peeler or a mandoline slicer, slice the carrots lengthwise into thin strips, similar to the size and shape of bacon strips.
- Marinate the carrots: Place the carrot strips in a shallow dish or a resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the carrot strips, ensuring they are evenly coated. Allow them to marinate for at least 15-20 minutes, or longer if time permits, to absorb the flavors.
- Arrange on a baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil. Arrange the marinated carrot strips in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the carrot strips halfway through the cooking time, until they are crispy and slightly caramelized.
- Cool and serve: Once the carrot bacon is cooked to your desired crispiness, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the carrot bacon alongside your favorite breakfast dishes, sandwiches, salads, or enjoy it as a snack.
- Storage: Store any leftover carrot bacon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat it in a skillet or oven to regain crispiness before serving.
Enjoy your homemade carrot bacon as a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional bacon!
