A tasty twist: Vegan sandwich spread without the fish

When I have no idea what to prepare for breakfast, I turn to the recipe for a delicious fish-free spread. The name is not coincidental, because although you won't find any animal products among the ingredients, the taste can be quite deceiving. The clever combination of ingredients will appeal not only to lovers of new experiences and experiments but even to kitchen traditionalists.

Preparing this spread is very simple and quick. It's excellent for fresh croissants, slices of good bread, or even toast. It’s a vegan alternative to fish spread that tastes just as good, maybe even better than the traditional mackerel spread. It's rich in protein and healthy fats, making it a perfect addition to a healthy, balanced breakfast.

To prepare this spread, you can use either vegan or regular mayonnaise. In the former case, you'll get a completely vegan sandwich spread. I recommend opting for smoked tofu instead of natural. It has a stronger, more characteristic flavour that will add a slightly smoky taste to our snack. Add a pinch of chilli or garlic to the spread if you like spicier flavours.

Flaxseed oil gives the spread a unique, slightly fishy taste and is a rich source of omega-3 acids. Canola oil is an excellent alternative for those who don't have flaxseed oil on hand. Although it won't provide the same subtle sea aroma, it will still enrich the spread with healthy fats.

Ingredients:              

• 170g package of smoked tofu,
• 1-2 sheets of nori,
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard,
• 2-3 tablespoons of vegan or regular mayonnaise,
• 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil,
• 1 small onion,
• 1 teaspoon capers,
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Preparation:    

1. Crush the tofu with a fork, and tear the nori into small pieces. Finely chop the onion.
2. Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until you get a smooth spread. You can use a hand blender or a traditional one.
3. Season the spread with salt and pepper to taste.

If you want to emphasise the flavour even more, you can add a bit of smoked sweet or hot paprika and a few drops of lemon juice.

Transfer the finished spread to a bowl and sprinkle with chopped dill, parsley, or chives. Serve with your favourite bread. Enjoy!