Tuna Melt Recipe

Chickpeas: These are the base of the sandwich filling, providing a hearty and nutritious alternative to tuna.

Vegan mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together.

Dijon mustard: Brings a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients.

Freshly squeezed lemon juice: Adds a fresh, zesty note to the mixture.

Celery: Provides a crunchy texture and a mild, refreshing taste.

Red onion: Adds a bit of sharpness and color to the filling.

Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the mixture.

Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and depth to the flavor.

Whole grain bread: A hearty and nutritious base for the sandwich.

Vegan cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a creamy, cheesy layer to the sandwich.

To achieve the perfect texture for your chickpea mixture, use a potato masher instead of a fork. This will help you achieve a more consistent flakiness, making it resemble traditional tuna salad. Additionally, for an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of nutritional yeast to the mixture. When cooking the sandwiches, press them gently with a spatula to ensure even browning and melting of the vegan cheese.

• chickpeas - Substitute with jackfruit: Jackfruit has a similar texture to tuna when shredded and can absorb flavors well.

• vegan mayonnaise - Substitute with mashed avocado: Mashed avocado provides a creamy texture and healthy fats, making it a nutritious alternative.

• dijon mustard - Substitute with yellow mustard: Yellow mustard has a milder flavor but still adds a tangy kick.

• lemon juice - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar provides a similar acidity and tanginess.

• celery - Substitute with cucumber: Cucumber offers a refreshing crunch and mild flavor, similar to celery.

• red onion - Substitute with green onions: Green onions provide a milder onion flavor and a bit of color.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory umami flavor and can enhance the overall taste.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor profile but still adds a peppery kick.

• whole grain bread - Substitute with sourdough bread: Sourdough bread offers a tangy flavor and a chewy texture that complements the filling.

• vegan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor and is a good source of B vitamins.

• Allow the tuna melt sandwiches to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make the bread soggy.
• Wrap each sandwich individually in parchment paper or aluminum foil. This helps maintain the sandwich's structure and prevents it from drying out.
• Place the wrapped sandwiches in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. This ensures they stay fresh and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
• Store the sandwiches in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in a skillet over medium heat until the vegan cheese is melted and the bread is crispy.
• To freeze, place the wrapped sandwiches in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label them with the date to keep track of their freshness.
• Frozen tuna melt sandwiches can be stored for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight.
• Reheat thawed sandwiches in a skillet over medium heat or in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) until the vegan cheese is melted and the bread is golden brown.

• Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap each tuna melt sandwich in aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Place the wrapped sandwiches on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.

• Skillet Method: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place the tuna melt sandwich in the skillet and cover with a lid to help the vegan cheese melt. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until the sandwich is heated through and the bread is crispy.

• Microwave Method: Place the tuna melt sandwich on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep the bread from drying out. Microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking halfway through to ensure even heating. Be cautious not to overheat, as this can make the bread soggy.

• Toaster Oven Method: Preheat your toaster oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tuna melt sandwich on the toaster oven rack or a baking sheet. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, or until the vegan cheese is melted and the sandwich is warmed through.

• Mixing bowl: Use this to combine and mix the chickpeas with the other ingredients.

• Fork: Mash the chickpeas with this until they are flaky.

• Knife: Finely chop the celery and red onion with this.

• Cutting board: Use this as a surface to chop the celery and red onion.

• Measuring cups: Measure out the vegan mayonnaise and finely chopped celery and red onion.

• Measuring spoons: Measure out the dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

• Skillet: Cook the sandwiches in this over medium heat.

• Spatula: Flip the sandwiches in the skillet to ensure they cook evenly on both sides.

• Can opener: Open the can of chickpeas with this.

• Plate: Serve the hot sandwiches on this.

Prepare ingredients in advance: Drain and rinse the chickpeas, chop the celery and red onion ahead of time to streamline the process.

Use a food processor: Quickly mash the chickpeas using a food processor instead of a fork to save time.

Preheat the skillet: Start heating the skillet while assembling the sandwiches to reduce waiting time.

Batch cook: Make multiple sandwiches at once if you have a large enough skillet to save on cooking time.

Store leftovers: Prepare extra chickpea mixture and store it in the fridge for quick assembly later.