Vegan Smoked “Salmon” Everything Bagel
The combination of smoked carrot, cucumber, capers, and Kite Hill’s vegan cream cheese atop an everything bagel make for a tasty and satiating “treat yo’self” meal. For even more flavor, add red onion and fresh dill.
Bagels with cream cheese has been a go-to of mine from my early life. I love how effortless and delicious it is to toast a bagel, lather on as much cream cheese as can possibly fit, and revel in every bite. Complete satisfaction in a matter of minutes. Before I loved to cook, and even when I came around to it, I took great comfort in these easy meals.
On the sunny morning of Christmas Day in Amsterdam, 2017, I sat on the patio bench with my host family enjoying a delightful smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel topped with capers and dill. We ate together every day, but something about this meal felt extra special. I don’t know what it is about this particular ingredient combination that feels like a holiday treat, but the association remains strong for me to this day.
Smoked salmon is a food I indulged heavily in during my semester abroad. The cafeteria near a class of mine sold these incredible yet simple smoked salmon sandwiches, and I got to the point of eating one a few times per week — basically every day of the week that I needed to visit campus.
I will not lie to you — carrots are not a perfect replica of salmon. Nor does vegan cream cheese taste *exactly* like dairy cream cheese. But this “treat yo’self” meal hits the spot in terms of flavor, texture, and nourishment. I am impressed with the palate pleasure I derive from this meal in which animal products are typically the foundation.
I refuse to give up anything as a vegan. And I plan to show you, one recipe at a time, that it is no sacrifice for you either. In fact, I have invited more flavor, texture, and comfort into my life than ever before upon my transition to veganism, and you may be surprised to have a similar experience.
But you don’t need to take my word for it — this meal and every other recipe I share will show you!
Vegan Smoked Salmon Everything Bagel
Equipment
- Vegetable peeler
- Large flat bottom shallow pan with cover
- Medium casserole dish (8 X 8 works well)
- Toaster
Ingredients
- 2 large carrots* peeled with vegetable peeler (about 3 cups)
- 1 large cucumber peeled with vegetable peeler
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp mesquite liquid smoke
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- 1 everything bagel toasted
- Kite Hill plain almond milk vegan cream cheese** for spreading
- Capers for topping
- Dried or fresh dill for topping
Instructions
- Peel thin strips off of the carrots with a vegetable peeler. You will not be able to peel the entire carrot — feel free to save the extra carrot for another purpose. The strips will be long — you may want to cut them in half after peeling.
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Place peeled carrot in a large, flat bottomed pan, and fill with about ¼" of water. Heat, uncovered, on the stove on high until water boils — then cover and cook for 5 minutes, until carrot has softened but is not mushy.
- Meanwhile, use the vegetable peeler to shave off slices of cucumber. Slice off however much you will use for this serving, and store the rest in the fridge for later servings.
- After carrot cook time has elapsed, test a piece for doneness. Drain off any excess water if necessary, transfer carrot to casserole pan, and add all ingredients from "soy sauce" to "smoked paprika" listed above. Mix well, and bake in oven for 15 minutes.
- When a few minutes remain, toast the bagel halves to your liking. Spread vegan cream cheese over each toasted half, and top with your desired amount of cucumber ribbons. Add smoked carrots once they are done, and top with capers and dried or fresh dill. I would highly recommend adding red onion for additional flavor if you have any on hand.