Spiced Ham-Free Roast (Printable)

A smoky, spiced plant-based loaf combining tofu and chickpeas for hearty, flavorful meals.

# What You Need:

→ Main Base

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed
02 - 7 oz cooked chickpeas, drained
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - 2 tbsp tomato paste
05 - 1 tbsp maple syrup
06 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
07 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
08 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
09 - ½ tsp ground allspice
10 - ½ tsp ground cloves
11 - ½ tsp ground coriander
12 - 1 tsp garlic powder
13 - 1 tsp onion powder
14 - ½ tsp black pepper
15 - ½ tsp salt

→ Glaze

16 - 2 tbsp maple syrup
17 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
18 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
19 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
20 - Pinch of ground cloves

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
02 - In a food processor, crumble the pressed tofu and pulse together with drained chickpeas until a coarse mixture forms.
03 - Add olive oil, tomato paste, maple syrup, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, allspice, cloves, coriander, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt to the processor. Process until smooth and well combined.
04 - Transfer the mixture into the prepared loaf pan, pressing down firmly to create a compact loaf.
05 - Bake the loaf for 45 minutes at 350°F.
06 - While baking, whisk together maple syrup, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, smoked paprika, and ground cloves in a small bowl.
07 - Remove the loaf from the oven after 45 minutes and brush the top generously with the prepared glaze.
08 - Return the loaf to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until the glaze is sticky and slightly caramelized.
09 - Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully lifting it out, slicing, and serving.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • It brings the cozy comfort of a traditional spiced ham without any animal products, like sharing a secret with someone who loves bold flavors
  • The blend of smoked paprika and warm spices creates a deep richness that makes this roast a special centerpiece each time
02 -
  • Press your tofu thoroughly—too much water and the roast won't hold together well
  • Brushing on the glaze mid-bake is what creates that crave-worthy sticky finish
03 -
  • Using a quality smoked paprika makes all the difference in achieving that authentic savory flavor
  • Pressing tofu overnight in the fridge really boosts firmness and texture

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