Spicy Tempeh Reuben. Vegan and Gluten-free

The perfect addition to any picnic lunch or camping trip is a tempeh reuben. Actually, it is a scientific fact that you can't help but smile whenever you consume a tempeh reuben.

It's true; I've done studies.

Here is my go-to recipe for a Spicy Tempeh Reuben. The spicy part is actually pre-done for you; I recommend purchasing Turtle Island Foods' Spicy Veggie Tempeh, and then going about your business. The sauce is simple, buying sauerkraut is easy, and really the hardest part is fitting it all into your mouth.

Good luck; I'm sure you can do it. You might want to exercise first with my ice cream sandwiches, though.

So, back to the tempeh reuben sandwich.

First, marinate and bake the tempeh with the following instructions:

Tempeh Marinade (and baking instructions)
Makes enough to marinate one package of tempeh

Ingredients:
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. Bragg's amino acids or wheat-free tamari (I also like coconut amino acids)
Pinch each of salt and pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper

Prepare:

1. Mix all the ingredients together in a shallow dish. Place the tempeh (cut in half) in the dish and turn over once. Turn the tempeh over again at least once before baking. 
2. Bake the tempeh at 400' in the marinade for about one hour, turning it over and shaking the marinade to make sure the tempeh is saturated with it every 15 minutes. The marinade should be dry by the time you remove it from the oven.

Next, make the vegan Thousand Island Dressing, using 1/2 cup Vegenaise (or your preferred non-dairy mayonnaise) and 1/2 ketchup. Mix those together well, then add 1/4 cup chopped pickles, 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar, salt and pepper and cayenne pepper to taste, and voila! The dressing is complete!

Finally, assemble the sandwich, using...
-2 pieces of gluten-free bread
-a squirt of mustard
-as much sauerkraut as you want
-any other toppings you enjoy (which may include sauteed mushrooms and onions, lettuce, and sliced tomato)

Stuff this baby into your mouth.

This post is linked to Wellness Weekend at Diet, Dessert and Dogs.