Baked Tofu Panini With Roasted Peppers and Caramelized Onions

Being vegan is easy. Finding tasty alternatives to my beloved sandwich...not so much. Dont be afraid about how long this recipe takes. Double up and eat it all week for lunches.

• Ready In: 1 hr 45 mins
• Serves: 4

Ingredients

• Baked Marinated Tofu

• 2  tablespoons maple syrup
• 3  tablespoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1  teaspoon chili powder
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 3  dashes liquid smoke (optional)
•  salt and pepper
• 1⁄3 cup water
• 1 (14 ounce) package extra firm tofu (sliced into 12-13 even slices)

• Caramelized Onions

• 5  large onions (yellow, red or white)
• 5  teaspoons olive oil
• 1  tablespoon  balsamic vinegar
• 1  teaspoon sugar
•  salt and pepper

• Sandwich

• 2  slices  ciabatta
• 1  cup fresh spinach leaves
• 1  tablespoon  hummus (Greek olive)

Directions

1. Carmalized Onions:.Heat the oil in a large heavy bottom pan on medium high heat until the oil is shimmering. Add the onion slices and stir to coat the onions with the oil. Spread the onions out evenly over the pan and let cook, stirring occasionally. After 10 minutes, sprinkle some over the onions. If onions dry out, you may add a touch of vegan butter.
2. Reduce heat to medium low and let cook for 30 to 60 minutes minutes to an hour more, stirring every few minutes.When onions are about done, deglaze the pan with vinegar.
3. Roasted Sweet Red Peppers: Cut the peppers lengthwise so they are long and slightly thin and remove seeds. Spray baking sheet with cooking spray and put onto sheet, spraying again with the cooking spray and lightly with the sea salt and pepper. Put into 395 degree oven for about 30 minutes or so, flipping over ½ way through. Cook until soft-tender.
4. Assemble and press!
5. If you dont have a press? Neither do I. Wrap the sandwich in foil and place in the oven under a cast iron pan (or foil wrapped (CLEAN) brick). 375 for 20 min would be great. Make a few and take them to lunch for the next few days.