Let’s get to the fun part – making the Vegan Salami! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide, including both the oven and steaming methods:

Oven Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the dry ingredients: vital wheat gluten, smoked paprika, garlic powder, fennel seeds, sea salt, onion powder, dried oregano, dried parsley, black pepper, and chili flakes. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.

Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: low-sodium vegetable broth, tomato paste, avocado oil (or other neutral-flavored oil), soy sauce, and liquid smoke. Whisk until fully blended.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir to incorporate, continuing until a dough-like consistency is achieved.

Step 5: Knead the Dough

Transfer the dough to a clean, lightly floured surface. Knead for 1-2 minutes until it’s soft, smooth, and well combined.

Step 6: Shape the Salami

Divide the dough into two equal parts. Roll each part into a salami shape, about 6 inches long.

Step 7: Wrap the Salami

Wrap each log tightly in parchment paper, and then wrap again in aluminum foil. Ensure the foil overlaps and twist the ends securely to seal.

Step 8: Bake

Place the wrapped salami logs on a baking sheet. Bake for 45-55 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time.

Step 9: Cool and Test

After baking, carefully unwrap one end of a salami log to check for doneness. They should be firm to the touch with a slight give. Let them cool completely before unwrapping fully and slicing.

Step 10: Serve

Slice the vegan salami and enjoy it on pizza, sandwiches, charcuterie boards, or as a snack.

Steaming Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Dough

Follow steps 2-4 from the oven instructions (mixing dry ingredients, whisking wet ingredients, combining, and kneading).

Step 2: Shape and Wrap Follow steps 6-7 from the oven instructions.

Step 3: Steam Setup

Add 1-2 inches of water to a large pot. Place a steamer basket inside the pot, ensuring that the basket is above the water level. Bring the water to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.

Step 4: Steam the Salami

Place the wrapped salami logs in the steamer basket. Cover the pot tightly. Steam for 45-60 minutes, checking the water level periodically and adding more if needed.

Step 5: Cool

Carefully remove the salami logs from the steamer basket. Let them cool completely before unwrapping and slicing.

Step 6: Serve

Slice the vegan salami and enjoy!