Vegetarian Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Smothered in sautéed onions and bell peppers, dripping with melted cheese, on a whole-wheat hoagie roll, makes this mock Philly Cheese "Steak" sandwich an incredibly tasty and simple meal.

The wheat-meat recipe is the same as my usual one in principle, but, I vary the flavors/spices a bit here. While the Tandoori paste is a great marinade, I use it here for both color and flavor.

And usually, this is a great way to use up leftover wheat-meat pot roast: simply cut into strips, and sauté with onions and bell peppers, add preferred cheese.

Sloppy Joe: Another option is to grind the cooked wheat-meat strips, add some ketchup or tomato paste (I prefer tomato paste) while sautéing with onions and peppers, and serve as Slushburgers or Wimpies on toasted buns.

Ingredients
for wheat meat:
1 cup vital wheat gluten
¾ cup warm broth
spices:
1 tsp each cumin powder, coriander powder, cayenne pepper, salt
1 Tbsp Patak's™ Tandoori masala paste
1 tsp brown sugar

onions and bell peppers, sliced thin - as much as preferred
1 Tbsp canola oil

optional: 1 or 2 drops Liquid Smoke (I use Wright's Hickory Seasoning)

for the simmering broth:
4 to 6 cups broth+water
1 cup carrots and cabbage, chopped coarsely
1 Tbsp crushed red peppers
1 Tbsp garlic powder
1 Tbsp thyme
1 Tbsp canola oil
1 tsp allspice

Cheese:
1 cup low-fat part-skim Swiss cheese, shredded
1 cup low-fat part-skim Mozarella, Shredded

Preparation

1. Start the simmering broth in a pot large enough to hold the loaf, reserving the liquid smoke to add at the end, if using
   
2. Combine gluten and spices for the wheat meat, add warm broth and stir with a spoon right away till it comes together to form a dough. Knead a few times and shape into a flat, roughly 1-inch thick, rectangle
3. Heat the oil in a cast iron skillet or pan large enough to hold the loaf, sear the sides of the shaped pot roast, remove from pan and add to the simmering broth, cover and allow to simmer for about 30 to 45 minutes
4. Meanwhile, sauté the onions and bell peppers adding some of the same spices as used in wheat-meat or simmering broth
5. When wheat-meat is done (or if using leftovers), cut into strips and add to the onions and bell peppers
6. Sprinkle the grated cheese on top, turn off heat, cover and let it sit till cheese melts
7. Scoop as much as desired into a toasted hoagie roll and enjoy!