Smoked ‘salmon’ bagel

Impress your brunch guests with this tasty fish alternative, crafted from a surprisingly simple secret ingredient. Thinly sliced carrots–marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, and liquid smoke–deliver the same smoky flavor and texture of salmon. Paired with creamy plant-based cheese, fresh dill, and capers, this smoked “salmon” transforms a simple meal into a sophisticated work of culinary art. 

 

Ingredients

(SERVINGS: 2)

 

  • 2 carrots
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • Few drops of liquid smoke
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Few sprigs of fresh dill (optional)
  • 1 tbsp. capers
  • Vegan cream cheese
  • 2 bagels to serve

Preparation

 

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350° F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. 
  2. Peel, steam, and cool: Using a vegetable peeler, slice the carrots into thin ribbons. Steam the carrots for 5 minutes, then remove from heat and rinse them with cold water in a colander. 
  3. Marinate: In a mixing bowl, combine the carrots with the lemon juice, olive oil, and a few drops of liquid smoke. Season with salt and pepper. 
  4. Mix: If using, roughly cut the sprigs of dill into smaller pieces and/or finely chop the capers. Add to the bowl. Mix well and spread evenly on the lined baking tray. 
  5. Cook and assemble: Cook in the oven for up to 10 minutes, making sure the carrot doesn’t burn. Serve with plant-based cream cheese on a toasted bagel!