Homemade Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt: Elevate Your Vegan Cuisine

My earliest memory of “bacon” was a carefully crafted sandwich my grandfather made. He was a master of simple pleasures, and his version of a bacon, lettuce, and tomato sandwich always tasted like pure love. Of course, that bacon was decidedly not vegan, but the way he layered those flavors, the salty, smoky depth against the cool crispness of lettuce and juicy tomato, stayed with me. Recreating that memory, that essence of umami and deliciousness, in a plant-based form became a mission, and this Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt is a testament to that journey. It captures the heart of those childhood flavors, transforming ordinary dishes into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Servings: 72 (1 tsp serving size)
• Yield: 1 1/2 cups
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup smoked salt (fine Saltworks Salish Alderwood Smoked Salt recommended)
• 1/4 cup veggie bacon bits (make sure they are very dry!)
• 6 pieces sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (dry, NOT in oil)
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons granulated organic sugar
• 2 tablespoons hot smoked paprika (pimenton)
• 1 tablespoon sweet smoked paprika (pimenton)
• 1/2 tablespoon granulated garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper (OR use smoked black pepper, freshly-ground)
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Equipment Needed

• High-speed blender or VitaMix
• Dry mixing bowl
• Spoon
• 1-pint canning jar with a tight lid
• Shaker jar (optional, for table use)

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients (Option 1 – Coarse Texture): If you prefer a slightly coarser salt, begin by adding the veggie bacon bits, sun-dried tomatoes, brown sugar, granulated sugar, hot smoked paprika, sweet smoked paprika, granulated garlic, black pepper, mustard powder, and onion powder to your blender or VitaMix. Blend on high speed until the mixture reaches a powdery consistency. You may need to stop and scrape down the sides of the blender occasionally to ensure even processing.
2. Add Salt (Option 1): Once the mixture is powdery, add the smoked salt and whiz again until the desired texture is achieved.
3. Combine Ingredients (Option 2 – Finer Texture): Alternatively, if you desire a finer, more uniformly blended salt, you can add all ingredients to your blender or VitaMix at once.
4. Blend the Mixture: With all ingredients now in the blender, blend on high speed, stopping periodically to stir the mixture and prevent clumping. Ensure that all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the blend.
5. Achieve the Texture: Continue blending until you can no longer feel any distinct pieces of sun-dried tomato. This is a key indicator that the mixture is fully incorporated.
6. Fluff the Mixture: Scrape the blended mixture into a dry bowl. Use a spoon to fluff the mixture, breaking up any remaining clumps and aerating the salt.
7. Storage: Scoop the finished Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt into a dry 1-pint canning jar with a tight-fitting lid. For convenient table use, you can also transfer a portion to a shaker jar.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Smoked Salt Selection is Key: The type of smoked salt you use will significantly impact the final flavor profile. Salish Alderwood Smoked Salt provides a deep, rich smokiness, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like hickory or mesquite smoked salt.
• Bacon Bit Prep: If your veggie bacon bits are even slightly moist, they can cause the salt to clump. Consider lightly toasting them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes to remove any excess moisture. Let them cool completely before adding them to the blender.
• Pulse for Control: When blending, use short pulses rather than a continuous stream to maintain better control over the texture and prevent overheating the blender.
• Tomato Texture: Sun-dried tomatoes can be stubborn. Chop them into very small pieces before adding them to the blender to facilitate smoother blending.
• Adjusting Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet salt, reduce the amount of brown and/or granulated sugar. You can also substitute with a sugar alternative like coconut sugar.
• Spicier Kick: For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of smoked chili powder to the mixture.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt is incredibly versatile. Sprinkle it on corn on the cob, popcorn, or homemade oven-fries for an instant flavor boost. Use it to season seitan steaks, tofu, or TVP. Incorporate it into BBQ sauces, marinades, dips, spreads, and vegan mayonnaise. It adds depth to baked beans, salad dressings, and salads. Experiment with it in homemade seitan products, mashed potatoes, or scrambled tofu. Roll tofu pieces in it before pan-frying. Mix it with olive oil for a French bread dip. Use it on potatoes, in potato salad, or on veggie burgers. Sprinkle it on a grilled vegan cheese sandwich, or blend it with vegan cream cheese and/or vegan sour cream for a flavorful dip. It enhances steamed, grilled, or roasted vegetables, pasta with creamy sauce (vegan carbonara), grits, and vegan mac ‘n’ cheese. It adds a unique twist to sandwiches and soups. Try it on homemade potato crisps or other veggie crisps like kale chips.

Store the Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It will keep its flavor for up to 6 months. There is no need to refrigerate or freeze it.

Nutritional Information

Please note that these values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving (1 tsp)	% Daily Value
Calories	7.4	N/A
Total Fat	0.2 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0.1 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	533.9 mg	22%
Total Carbohydrate	1.4 g	0%
Dietary Fiber	0.1 g	0%
Sugars	1.2 g	N/A
Protein	0.2 g	0%

Variations & Substitutions

• Salt Variety: Experiment with different smoked salts to find your favorite flavor profile.
• Sugar Alternatives: Replace brown and granulated sugar with coconut sugar, maple sugar, or stevia for a lower glycemic option.
• Smoked Black Pepper: Substitute regular black pepper with smoked black pepper for an intensified smoky flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of hot smoked paprika to control the heat level. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for even more spice.
• Nut-Free: Ensure your veggie bacon bits are nut-free if needed.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this without a high-speed blender?
A: While a high-speed blender provides the best results, you can use a regular blender or even a food processor. You may need to blend for a longer period and scrape down the sides more frequently. The texture may be slightly coarser.

Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of sun-dried tomatoes?
A: No, fresh tomatoes contain too much moisture and will cause the salt to clump and spoil. Sun-dried tomatoes provide concentrated flavor without adding excess liquid.

Q: How can I make this salt less salty?
A: Reduce the amount of smoked salt and increase the other ingredients proportionally. You can also use a lower-sodium smoked salt.

Q: My salt is clumping. What did I do wrong?
A: This is usually caused by moisture. Ensure your veggie bacon bits and sun-dried tomatoes are completely dry before blending. Store the salt in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Adding a small silica gel packet to the jar can also help absorb moisture.

Q: Can I use this on non-vegan dishes?
A: Absolutely! While this recipe is designed to elevate vegan cuisine, its smoky, savory flavor is delicious on a wide variety of dishes, including meats, eggs, and vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt is more than just a seasoning; it’s a flavor revolution. It’s a testament to the power of plant-based cuisine and the endless possibilities for creating delicious, satisfying meals. I encourage you to try this recipe, experiment with different variations, and discover your own unique ways to use this versatile salt. I can’t wait to hear about your culinary creations and how this Smoky Veggie Bacon Salt elevates your cooking to new heights. Enjoy!