Description
This Delicious Vegan Ham is a flavorful and hearty plant-based alternative that mimics the traditional ham experience with a smoky, savory glaze and a satisfying meaty texture. Made primarily with tofu and vital wheat gluten, enriched with smoked paprika, liquid smoke, and nutritional yeast, this recipe delivers a perfect holiday centerpiece or special occasion dish that’s entirely vegan and packed with rich umami flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mixture
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon liquid smoke
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil
- 14 oz extra firm tofu
- 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten
Baking & Glazing
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons light olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 15 whole cloves
Instructions
- Prepare the base mixture: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup vegetable broth, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon liquid smoke, 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast, 1 tablespoon ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt. Blend these ingredients thoroughly to create a savory liquid base.
- Process tofu and mix with vital wheat gluten: Crumble or blend 14 ounces of extra firm tofu until smooth or finely mashed. Add the tofu to the savory liquid base. Gradually stir in 1 1/2 cups vital wheat gluten and 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil. Knead the mixture for several minutes until it forms a firm, elastic dough resembling a meatloaf consistency.
- Shape and embed cloves: Shape the dough into a ham-like log about 8 inches long. Stud the surface evenly with 15 whole cloves, pushing them gently into the dough to create a decorative and aromatic crust.
- Prepare the baking environment: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour 1/2 cup vegetable broth into a roasting pan to maintain moisture during baking. Place the vegan ham on a rack inside the pan to allow air circulation and even cooking.
- Bake the vegan ham: Bake for 60 minutes, rotating the ham halfway through to ensure even cooking. This step helps the firm texture set and develops the outer crust.
- Make the glaze: While the ham bakes, mix 2 tablespoons light olive oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 2 tablespoons maple syrup, and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a small bowl until well combined. This glaze will add a sweet and smoky finish.
- Apply glaze and final bake: After the initial baking, brush the glaze generously over the ham’s surface. Return the ham to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes to caramelize the glaze, giving the vegan ham a shiny, flavorful coating.
- Rest and slice: Remove the ham from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to settle. Slice into 8 thick slices and serve warm as a centerpiece dish.
Notes
- For best texture, knead the dough thoroughly to develop the gluten.
- The cloves can be removed before slicing if preferred.
- Use refined coconut oil to avoid coconut flavor contamination.
- This vegan ham freezes well; slice before freezing for easy reheating.
- Adjust liquid smoke carefully, as it is potent and can overpower the dish.
