‘I didn’t change, I just started to look at things differently’.
Mr B and I popped into Orchard Grocer, a vegan Deli one day a few months ago. I was curious to see how they had become so popular so quickly, with reported long lines for their smoked salmon bagel. It is said that the bagel married lox in New York, so there is a high bar for this classic dish here.
I have to say, I was skeptical that a carrot could replace salmon and so took Mr B as the ultimate taster, given his New York roots and his love of this combination. The Deli did not disappoint and in fact the bagel was so good, Mr B asked me to recreate it so it could become his new go to at home.
The reason Mr B likes this, is because it has tones of the real thing due to the nori and tamari but is lighter and has a preferred texture. I like to serve it to Mr B on a Sunday morning in an everything bagel, or if he is getting on a train, I make it in a plain bagel and then add the everything seasoning to the vegan cream cheese. I also use it in wraps, bowls and in salads to add some depth and flavor.
I hope this dish gives you a glimpse into a reimagined classic and if not at least a new way to see the humble carrot
Ingredients
- 3 carrots
- 2 nori sheets
- 1 cup hot water
- 2 tbsp. Tamari
- 1 tbsp. Liquid smoke (optional)
- 1 tbsp. maple syrup
- 1 tbsp. cider vinegar
- 1 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp. black pepper
- 2 tbsp. dill
- Sea salt to taste
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350f
- Wash the carrots, add some salt and bake for 45 minutes or until soft.
- Remove and once cooled slice into strips with a peeler or mandolin
- Transfer into a container with the rest of the ingredients and let marinate at least overnight
- For a classic new york bagel serve with vegan cream cheese, dill, red onion and capers
