Little Villy Recipe

Crumble and cook tempeh

Crumble the 8 oz tempeh into bite-sized pieces or coarse crumbles with your hands or a fork. Heat 1 tbs olive oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat until shimmering.

Add the 1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion and cook 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent, stirring occasionally.

Add the crumbled tempeh to the skillet and cook 5–7 minutes, stirring and pressing occasionally so it browns in places and releases some nutty aroma.

Stir in 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tbs soy sauce, 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp black pepper and 1/2 tsp maple syrup. Cook 1–2 more minutes, scraping browned bits and allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning; remove from heat and set aside.

While the tempeh cooks, combine 1/2 cup soaked drained cashews, 1/2 cup water, 2 tbs nutritional yeast, 1 tsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp turmeric (if using) in a blender or high-speed processor.

Blend on high until completely smooth and creamy, about 45–60 seconds, stopping to scrape down sides if necessary. If sauce is too thick, add up to 1–2 tbs extra water to reach a pourable but still creamy consistency. Taste and adjust salt or acid.

Keep warm or cover; it will thicken slightly as it sits.

Preheat a skillet or griddle over medium-low. Lightly butter or brush inside of the split hoagie roll with 1/2 tsp vegan butter or olive oil. Place cut side down on the skillet and toast 1–2 minutes until lightly golden and crisp. Remove.

Lay 1/2 cup shredded lettuce evenly on the bottom half of the toasted roll. Spoon the warm tempeh filling over the lettuce (all of the filling for a full sandwich; for a 'Half a neo-philly' portion described as 'Little Villy', adjust to half the filling if making multiple sandwiches).

Drizzle 2–3 tbs of the cheeze sauce over the tempeh (or to taste). Top with 2 slices tomato, 1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumber or pickles, a light pinch of 1/8 tsp salt and black pepper to taste.

Close the sandwich, press gently, slice in half if desired, and serve immediately.